Ana Cristina Santos, a researcher at the Centre for Social Studies at the University of Coimbra, was elected president of the European Sociological Association (ESA) until 2028. The election took place during the 17th ESA Congress, held at the University of Warsaw between August 25 and 28, which brought together thirty-eight Research Networks and more than 3,000 members.
The European Sociological Association, founded in 1994, aims to promote sociological research, teaching and communication among students and sociology professionals. The ESA Presidency is a position of scientific prestige at the international level, with an impact on the definition of scientific priorities and the voice of sociology in European debates and policies.
Ana Cristina Santos is a sociologist with a PhD in Gender Studies from the University of Leeds and a Coordinating Researcher with Habilitation in Human Rights. At the University of Coimbra, she chairs the Thematic Line Democracy, Justice and Human Rights and coordinates the PhD programme in Feminist and Queer Studies. She has published extensively and led multiple projects on LGBTQI+ issues, body, citizenship and aging, including two grants from the European Research Council.
The sociologist warned of current challenges to democracy and science, stating that Sociology must be a beacon of justice, diversity and dignity. She defended the production of rigorous and critical knowledge to inform inclusive public policies and combat hatred, disinformation and injustice.
