Dr. Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher| University of Aveiro, Portugal

Dr. Mariana Lobo Pinho is an accomplished psychologist and researcher currently serving as an Auxiliary Researcher at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln, UK. With a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln, she has established a rich academic and professional career focused on equality, diversity, inclusion, and gender studies. Her multidisciplinary work bridges psychology, policy, and social justice, contributing to numerous EU-funded and national projects. Dr. Pinho has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is the Principal Investigator of a major study on climate anxiety funded by La Caixa Foundation and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on family roles, identity, and environmental psychology. Her expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative research, making her a leading voice in the study of gender, work, and social transformation.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Mariana Pinho has a comprehensive academic background rooted in psychology. She began her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Porto (2007–2010), followed by a Master of Science in Clinical and Health Psychology at the same institution (2010–2012). These formative years built her expertise in clinical approaches, mental health, and human behavior. She then pursued her doctoral studies in the UK, earning a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln (2013–2017). During her PhD, she conducted extensive research on gender identity, work-family dynamics, and social norms, supported by a faculty bursary. Her academic training reflects a deep integration of psychological theory, applied research, and cross-cultural analysis, enabling her to lead studies that intersect clinical psychology with broader societal challenges. This rich educational trajectory laid the foundation for her international career in research, education, and policy consultation.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s professional journey spans academic research, consultancy, and public policy across Europe. Since 2023, she has worked as an Auxiliary Researcher at CESAM, University of Aveiro, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Eleanor Glanville Institute, University of Lincoln. Previously, she held roles as Senior and Research Fellow at the same institute (2019–2023), where she led pioneering studies on equality and climate psychology. She has served as a consultant and national expert for the European Institute for Gender Equality, and conducted policy and evaluation research for various EU bodies. Earlier, she held research positions in Lithuania, including at Mykolas Romeris University and the Public Policy and Management Institute. Mariana has also worked in industry (Western Union) and provided psychology internships in Portugal’s National Health Service. Her multifaceted experience demonstrates her ability to translate academic insight into impactful, real-world applications in equality, inclusion, and environmental resilience.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mariana Pinho has received notable recognition throughout her academic and professional career. Early on, she was awarded an Integrated Master’s Scholarship from the Portuguese Government, recognizing her as one of the top 10 students in her cohort. During her doctoral studies, she earned a competitive PhD Scholarship Faculty Bursary from the University of Lincoln. Her contributions to psychology and social research have earned her nominations for prestigious international awards such as the International Cognitive Scientist Awards. In 2023, her leadership in socially impactful research led to several high-profile projects, including funding from La Caixa Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her reputation as a gender and inclusion expert has led to consultancy roles for the European Commission and recognition by the British Psychological Society. These accolades highlight her sustained excellence and influence in the fields of gender equality, environmental psychology, and inclusive policy development.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s research centers on the intersection of social psychology, gender, family dynamics, and environmental behavior. She explores how identities—such as parental and work roles—shape and are shaped by social norms, particularly in contexts of gender non-conformity and role reversal. Her recent studies delve into climate change anxiety and its influence on pro-environmental behavior, with a focus on psychological gender disparities. She also investigates perceptions of fairness, inclusion, and psychological safety in academic and professional settings. Her research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, bridging individual experience with structural analysis. Through projects funded by the European Commission, Royal Society of Chemistry, and La Caixa Foundation, she has contributed to key discourses on gender equality, caregiving roles, and emotional responses to environmental crises. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also informs inclusive policies and practices in higher education, research environments, and public health.

✅ Conclusion