Hélder Fernando da Costa Santos is an Auxiliary Professor of Human Geography at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Porto. He holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Porto (2022), with a dissertation focused on territory, knowledge, and economic innovation, examining relational spaces of R&D and innovation networks anchored in Portugal, particularly in the field of human health. His academic work is situated at the intersection of economic geography, territorial development, innovation studies, and public policy, with a strong emphasis on knowledge networks, smart specialization, translational research, and emerging technologies. In recent years, his research has increasingly addressed energy transitions, notably offshore wind energy, and the territorial dynamics of technological path development and disruption. His work combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, including social network analysis, spatial analysis, and multiscalar territorial perspectives. Alongside his research activity, he has a long and diverse teaching career spanning higher education, secondary education, and adult education and training. He is an accredited teacher trainer and has played an active role in pedagogical innovation, curriculum development, and field-based learning in Geography. His academic profile is further enriched by significant experience in science communication, academic governance, organization of scientific events, and collaboration with public institutions, particularly in the domains of territorial planning and public policy. Overall, the academic trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to advancing critical and applied geographical knowledge, fostering dialogue between academia, public policy, and society, and contributing to debates on territorial inequalities, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable development.