Sandra Soares, PhD, is a scientist with over two decades of experience in Physics research and education. She earned her PhD in Nuclear Physics in 2007 and her Master’s degree in Physics in 2001, both from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon. As the Coordinator of the LabExpoRad laboratory (UBIMedical-UBI) and a Researcher at the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics (LIP-Lisbon), she demonstrates a comprehensive approach to interdisciplinary research. Her work is further enhanced by collaborations with the Centre for Mathematics and Applications (CMA-UBI).
At the University of Beira Interior (UBI), Dr Soares holds a permanent appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and also serves as the Director of the 2nd Cycle Programme for Physics and Chemistry Teaching in the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education and Secondary Education. Her teaching career is distinguished by her leadership in academic initiatives and her mentorship of advanced research students. Dr Soares has successfully supervised several PhD theses and guided a number of Master’s dissertations, in addition to co-supervising others. She is currently supervising two PhD theses and three Master’s dissertations. Moreover, she has overseen eight seminar projects and, during the 2023/24 academic year, directed a Physics project with 12th-grade students at Amato Lusitano School, Castelo Branco.
From 2022 to 2024, Dr Soares held a key role as President of the Committee for Equality, where she promoted institutional policies on equality and inclusion. She has co-authored two exercise books for 10th and 11th grade Physics, published by Raiz Editora, and has been instrumental in organising numerous national and international scientific events. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for several esteemed scientific journals.
Beyond her academic achievements, Dr Soares has plssed an active role in public service, having served as a deputy in the Municipal Assembly of Covilhã from 2013 to 2017. She remains a committed member of several national and international scientific and professional associations, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and fostering collaborative research networks.
Her research interests span a wide range of cutting-edge areas, including Nuclear Physics, Solid State Physics, High-Energy Physics, and the applications of Physics in Medicine. More recently, her work has focused on Ionising Radiation Physics, investigating its implications for health and environmental safety, further underscoring her dedication to addressing critical issues of sustainability and public well-being.
Dr Soares has coordinated and continues to lead several competitive international research projects.
Throughout her career, Dr Soares has consistently demonstrated excellence in both her scientific pursuits and her educational endeavours. Her contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of key areas of Physics, while her mentorship and leadership have left a lasting impact on the academic community and future generations of scientists.