Born in Ovar in 1959, she graduated in Psychology at the University of Lisbon. Since 1982 she has developed her academic career at Iscte, where she is Full Professor of Social Psychology, Co-coordinator of SocioDigitalLab for Public Policy. She develops a wide activity in teaching and scientific orientation.  Her research activity focuses on the application of Social Psychology to health and environmental issues, and is reflected in numerous scientific publications. She is the author of the book "We and others: The power of social ties" published by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation. She was president of the Portuguese Psychological Association. She is Honorary Professor at the University of Bath and a Member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences.