Maria João Lima has a PhD in Sociology  by Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon. She holds a Master's degree in Ethnomusicology and a Bachelor's degree in Musicology (FCSH-UNL). She was a research assistant  at INET-MD-Instituto de Etnomusicologia Música e Dança (1995-2000) and at OAC - Cultural Activities Observatory (2001-2013). Her research is mainly focused on cultural policies, cultural audiences and cultural expressive practices. She is currently part of the research team of the Portuguese Observatory of Cultural Activities (https://www.opac.cies.iscte-iul.pt/).