Health scientist with an established track record in healthy ageing, health literacy, chronic and musculoskeletal diseases, rehabilitation, and community-based prevention. Her work combines applied research, innovation and policy engagement to address major health challenges affecting older adults and vulnerable populations, particularly in low-density and underserved regions. Extensive experience in the design and leadership of multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder projects, involving healthcare providers, universities, local authorities, social care organisations and patient representatives, with a strong focus on translating research into practice and policy. Her research has contributed to the development of regional and international strategies in active and healthy ageing, chronic disease management and health promotion, including the Algarve as a European Reference Region for Active and Healthy Ageing. Particular expertise in the co-creation, implementation and evaluation of complex interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, self-management and quality of care. Her current work focuses on health literacy, musculoskeletal conditions, frailty, low back pain and integrated models of care, with a strong emphasis on participatory approaches, knowledge transfer and real-world impact. Alongside her research activity, she has created and coordinated research and innovation infrastructures, including the Health, Ageing and Kinetics Laboratory and, more recently, is a member of the UNITECHealth – Innovation and Services Unit in Sport, Health and Human Development. She is strongly committed to collaborative and international projects that combine scientific excellence with meaningful societal impact. Track record in securing and developing competitive research funding through European, Interreg, FCT and regional programmes, and in building sustainable partnerships across academia, healthcare and civil society. Scientific output includes publications in leading international journals in ageing, rheumatology, rehabilitation and public health, together with the supervision of PhD, MSc and early-career researchers. Her current ambition is to contribute to the development of innovative, person-centred and evidence-based models of health and care capable of reducing inequalities and improving quality of life in populations, particularly those living with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.