Carina Dantas
CEO
With over 25 years of experience, there is not enough time in one life for all I wish to do!
I have written hundreds of proposals – and love it – but really value implementing many of them, with all their challenges and rewards, such as people’s smiles when they enhanced their quality of life, literacy, or the ability to voice their concerns.
Besides being SHINE’s CEO, I am Director of the SHAFE Foundation – Smart Healthy Age-friendly Environments. As a cancer survivor, this is one specific area where I hope to bring some value.
Luís Dias
COO
I am an IT Engineer, software developer and trainer with over 18 years of experience. I worked in the mental health area, focusing on reintegrating people into the job market by enhancing their personal and digital skills.
As COO of SHINE, I manage projects, write proposals, network, and engage with stakeholders. I develop digital tools, including websites and educational platforms, serving as the main software developer. I am passionate about games and gadgets, and in my spare time, I enjoy playing (badly) guitar.
Luís Dias
COO
I am an IT Engineer, software developer and trainer with over 18 years of experience. I worked in the mental health area, focusing on reintegrating people into the job market by enhancing their personal and digital skills.
As COO of SHINE, I manage projects, write proposals, network, and engage with stakeholders. I develop digital tools, including websites and educational platforms, serving as the main software developer. I am passionate about games and gadgets, and in my spare time, I enjoy playing (badly) guitar.
Natália Machado
Project Director | Researcher
Human rights protection and civil society engagement have always driven my work. As a Brazilian in Portugal, I combine my PhD research with coordinating European projects to create real impact. My legal expertise focuses on the ethical inclusion of vulnerable people in research, while safeguarding their rights. A lifelong cultural traveller, I bring this worldview to my role as Project Director at SHINE, where academic rigor meets real-world social change.
Miriam Cabrita
Research Director
I’m a Biomedical Engineer with a PhD in Digital Health from the University of Twente (2017), with over a decade of experience in European projects. I’m passionate about digital health innovation and thrive in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams. My work focuses on translating complex health challenges into inclusive, human-centred digital solutions that bring together patients, healthcare professionals, and technology. Back in my academic days, my research focused on tailoring digital health solutions for physical activity promotion.
Miriam Cabrita
Research Director
I’m a Biomedical Engineer with a PhD in Digital Health from the University of Twente (2017), with over a decade of experience in European projects. I’m passionate about digital health innovation and thrive in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams. My work focuses on translating complex health challenges into inclusive, human-centred digital solutions that bring together patients, healthcare professionals, and technology. Back in my academic days, my research focused on tailoring digital health solutions for physical activity promotion.
Joana Vieira
Researcher | Designer
I am a designer with over 9 years of experience, passionate about blending design and technology to create meaningful human-centered solutions.
At SHINE, I work as a researcher and head of the design team. SHINE gives me the opportunity to work with culturally diverse and multidisciplinary teams allowing me to enrich my knowledge and bring many good practices and concepts that I can apply in my work as a designer.
Outside of work you’ll find me with my family, hanging out with my pets, or getting lost in a good videogame.
Juliana Louceiro
Researcher
Juliana Louceiro
Researcher
Inês Saavedra
Researcher
With a background in Physics (BSc and MSc), I later shifted to a Master’s in Adult Education and Community Intervention, driven by a strong interest in social innovation and lifelong education. Since then, I have worked with children, youth, and adults in both research and practice, focusing on sustainability, arts and culture, and digital skills. As a Project Manager and Researcher at SHINE, I value participatory processes that give space to different voices and support more inclusive, fair, and collaborative approaches to social change.
Harm op den Akker
Researcher
I am a computer scientist with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction and a PhD in personalizing Digital Health. I have been active in the Research & Development community since 2009, contributing to many research projects, scientific publications and software development activities. My personal focus has always been on creating enjoyable and effective user experiences through virtual agents and natural language interaction. As a project manager at SHINE, I help coordinate European Projects to reach a high societal impact.
Harm op den Akker
Researcher
I am a computer scientist with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction and a PhD in personalizing Digital Health. I have been active in the Research & Development community since 2009, contributing to many research projects, scientific publications and software development activities. My personal focus has always been on creating enjoyable and effective user experiences through virtual agents and natural language interaction. As a project manager at SHINE, I help coordinate European Projects to reach a high societal impact.
Carlos Iglesias
Researcher | Digital Strategist
Carlos brings over 20 years of experience in digital innovation, data & AI governance, and digital ethics. With a strong track record across public, private, and civil society, he has led initiatives that bridge technology and social good helping organisations design inclusive systems and ensure ethical use of data and technology in multiple sectors. His approach combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, always putting people at the center. His passion for values-driven innovation aligns perfectly with SHINE 2Europe’s mission to drive sustainable social change through more fair, inclusive and impactful technology.
When offline, he recharges exploring the mountains and beaches of his native Asturias with his family or getting lost in a good novel.
Ângela Freitas
Researcher
As a human health geographer, I view geography as more than just maps – it is a lens through which I analyse how our neighbourhoods and cities shape health, well-being and life opportunities. Urban health, spatial justice, and place-based strategies are where I bring the most value. By day, besides being a project manager at SHINE, I research and teach at the University of Coimbra. By heart, I am a placemaking and co-creation advocate, nature-loving, music festival enthusiast, and proud dog mom to a beagle called Mel.
Ângela Freitas
Researcher
As a human health geographer, I view geography as more than just maps – it is a lens through which I analyse how our neighbourhoods and cities shape health, well-being and life opportunities. Urban health, spatial justice, and place-based strategies are where I bring the most value. By day, besides being a project manager at SHINE, I research and teach at the University of Coimbra. By heart, I am a placemaking and co-creation advocate, nature-loving, music festival enthusiast, and proud dog mom to a beagle called Mel.
Carla Reigada
Researcher
With over 19 years of experience, I lead strategic projects in palliative care, health, and social intervention. I have a PhD in Psychology with executive training from Harvard, and a strong track record across multiple European initiatives. I specialised in knowledge transfer, qualitative research, advocacy, and advancing person-centred public policy. At SHINE, Carla works on European projects focused on health and stakeholder engagement.
Carla was awarded the INNOVA 2023 Prize by the University of Navarra for outstanding knowledge transfer in research and education and her work extends to academic teaching and supervision, policy development, and editorial responsibilities.
Andrea Marinho
Researcher
I have a Law degree and a special interest for human rights protection for a more inclusive and fair society. Over the last years, I worked as a jurist in a finance service, practiced law, given training in social and organizational law and citizenship, and lived in Switzerland for 11 years.
As a researcher and a project manager at SHINE, I hope to contribute to the promotion of inclusion in projects with high social impact.
I like to write, spend time with family and friends and walk by the sea.
Andrea Marinho
Researcher
I have a Law degree and a special interest for human rights protection for a more inclusive and fair society. Over the last years, I worked as a jurist in a finance service, practiced law, given training in social and organizational law and citizenship, and lived in Switzerland for 11 years.
As a researcher and a project manager at SHINE, I hope to contribute to the promotion of inclusion in projects with high social impact.
I like to write, spend time with family and friends and walk by the sea.
Paola Bello
Researcher
I am a Project manager based in Italy, with a long experience in European projects covering socialpolicies, global health, medical research, and gender issues. Since my degree in InternationalRelations, I had the chance to live, study and work in different countries, such as France, Belgiumand UK. I strongly believe in Europe and in European collaboration. I am passionate aboutresearch, especially in the healthcare sector, and an enthusiast on gender issues, aiming overallfor better care for all and a higher quality of life.
Minoo Doost
Researcher
With a multidisciplinary background in urban planning, sustainability, and EU project development, I specialize in managing European-funded initiatives focused on smart cities, climate adaptation, circular economy, and citizen engagement. I hold dual master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Local Development and my expertise includes stakeholder and citizen engagement, co-creation strategies for climate adaptation, policy development, among others.
I have worked across several international consortia, managing proposal processes and leading work packages on sustainability and outreach. My work combines technical and policy dimensions to support inclusive, future-oriented urban transformation.
Minoo Doost
Researcher
With a multidisciplinary background in urban planning, sustainability, and EU project development, I specialize in managing European-funded initiatives focused on smart cities, climate adaptation, circular economy, and citizen engagement. I hold dual master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Local Development and my expertise includes stakeholder and citizen engagement, co-creation strategies for climate adaptation, policy development, among others.
I have worked across several international consortia, managing proposal processes and leading work packages on sustainability and outreach. My work combines technical and policy dimensions to support inclusive, future-oriented urban transformation.
Lucia Thielman
Researcher
With a background in biomedical science and a Master’s in Management, Policy Analysis and Entrepreneurship in Health and Life Sciences from the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, I began my career in academic research at the VU Amsterdam and the Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing. My focus gradually shifted from university research to fostering collaboration and creating impact beyond academia. In recent years, I have built European partnerships on age-friendly environments, culture and wellbeing. As a researcher and project manager at SHINE, I work at the intersection of science, policy and practice to help shape healthier, more inclusive societies.
Lucas Cardoso da Silva
Researcher
Lucas is a Public Health researcher whose work is rooted in behavioural science applied to population health. He holds a Master of Science in Health Economics and Management and a Bachelor in Public Health, complemented by initial medical studies before shifting toward population-focused research and practice. His academic and professional experience spans Brazil, the United States, the Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal, and he has been awarded prestigious scholarships such as the Erasmus Mundus Excellence Scholarship and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship. His research interests centre on integrating evidence, behaviour, and policy to develop people-centred, equitable strategies for health promotion and disease prevention. He has worked across EU-funded consortia and academic environments, contributing to mixed-methods research, policy-oriented outputs and international collaboration in diverse fields, including digital health and health literacy.
Lucas Cardoso da Silva
Researcher
Lucas is a Public Health researcher whose work is rooted in behavioural science applied to population health. He holds a Master of Science in Health Economics and Management and a Bachelor in Public Health, complemented by initial medical studies before shifting toward population-focused research and practice. His academic and professional experience spans Brazil, the United States, the Netherlands, Austria, and Portugal, and he has been awarded prestigious scholarships such as the Erasmus Mundus Excellence Scholarship and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellowship. His research interests centre on integrating evidence, behaviour, and policy to develop people-centred, equitable strategies for health promotion and disease prevention. He has worked across EU-funded consortia and academic environments, contributing to mixed-methods research, policy-oriented outputs and international collaboration in diverse fields, including digital health and health literacy.
Dmitry Titkov
Researcher
I am a Russian-born Finnish certified (PRINCE2) project and programme manager with academic background in pedagogy, management and administration, and nearly two decades of experience working for international development and research projects in the public health and wellbeing sector.
The thematic scope of my projects encompassed communicable and non-communicable disease prevention and management, public health epidemiology and microbiology, health promotion, One Health and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), AI for supporting clinical decisions, health data, and global health.
While I am results-oriented and enjoy getting things done, I also appreciate the process, especially when working with people from whom you can learn and with whom you can share.
Frederico Amaral
Researcher | Trainer
I am a Portuguese and French language teacher with 23 years’ experience as a trainer in professional inclusion programs for adults with mental illness. I also contributed to the pedagogical development of projects in this area.
At SHINE, I am a researcher and trainer for several projects.
I’m also curious about technology and the way it integrates into the lives of people with different interests, aspirations, difficulties, facilitating many of the daily tasks and helping to overcome obstacles.
Frederico Amaral
Researcher | Trainer
I am a Portuguese and French language teacher with 23 years’ experience as a trainer in professional inclusion programs for adults with mental illness. I also contributed to the pedagogical development of projects in this area.
At SHINE, I am a researcher and trainer for several projects.
I’m also curious about technology and the way it integrates into the lives of people with different interests, aspirations, difficulties, facilitating many of the daily tasks and helping to overcome obstacles.
Flávia Rodrigues
Researcher | Communication
I am a Communication and Public Relations professional, both by heart and by training.
I am passionate about how design, architecture and communication can help build more inclusive and healthier spaces.
I love writing news pieces about exciting new projects and sharing stories that matter.
Talking to people from different backgrounds and listening to their experiences truly inspires me.
Some of my favourite work has been with older adults, boosting digital skills and reducing loneliness.
Anna Gallinat
Researcher | Communication
I am a communications and project specialist with over a decade of experience supporting international organisations, including the European Union and the United Nations. I design clear and engaging communication strategies and create content across channels such as websites, newsletters, social media, and events. Passionate about health and well-being at both individual and societal levels, I enjoy translating complex or technical topics into user-friendly, audience-appropriate messages with clear impact. Based in Copenhagen, I work confidently in international and cross-cultural settings and am fluent in English, German, Dutch, and Danish.
Anna Gallinat
Researcher | Communication
I am a communications and project specialist with over a decade of experience supporting international organisations, including the European Union and the United Nations. I design clear and engaging communication strategies and create content across channels such as websites, newsletters, social media, and events. Passionate about health and well-being at both individual and societal levels, I enjoy translating complex or technical topics into user-friendly, audience-appropriate messages with clear impact. Based in Copenhagen, I work confidently in international and cross-cultural settings and am fluent in English, German, Dutch, and Danish.
Filipa Queiroz
Researcher | Communication
I have always been driven by social and cultural causes and I love bringing to light stories that deserve it. As a journalist, editor and director I worked in television, press, digital media and documentary. I am co-founder of solutions journalism magazine Coimbra Cooletiva, focused on civic engagement and social innovation, and I teach media literacy.
I believe in constant learning from books, but also from travelling, art and contacting both with children, older people and those with lived experience. Energy and communication skills are what I bring to SHINE.
Rachel Apted
Researcher | Designer
With 4+ years of experience in visual design and production management, my work spans mixed media art direction and innovation consulting. I am passionate about work that makes a difference in people’s lives, which I am proud to pursue at SHINE. Originally from Canada, I hold a Master’s in Research for Design and Innovation and have worked across North America, LATAM, and the EU. This international and cross-disciplinary background informs my approach, blending creative thinking with research-driven insight. Outside of work, you will find me expanding my ceramic skills, cooking up inventive dishes, or catching up with friends and family around the world.
Rachel Apted
Researcher | Designer
With 4+ years of experience in visual design and production management, my work spans mixed media art direction and innovation consulting. I am passionate about work that makes a difference in people’s lives, which I am proud to pursue at SHINE. Originally from Canada, I hold a Master’s in Research for Design and Innovation and have worked across North America, LATAM, and the EU. This international and cross-disciplinary background informs my approach, blending creative thinking with research-driven insight. Outside of work, you will find me expanding my ceramic skills, cooking up inventive dishes, or catching up with friends and family around the world.
Bruna Catarino
Researcher | Designer
I am a graphic designer with a special interest in projects that combine creativity and social impact. I am currently studying for a Master in Cultural Management, where I explore ways of promoting culture as an agent of transformation. I have a strong involvement in activism and volunteering initiatives, areas that I consider fundamental to my personal and professional career. I believe in design and culture as powerful tools for communicating ideas with purpose and generating positive change. I enjoy working at SHINE’s team, learning from different contexts and contributing to meaningful projects.
José Câmara
Researcher | Designer
I am a designer and multimedia creator with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. I previously ran my own advertising agency, collaborating with clients across various industries. At SHINE, I focus on creating multimedia assets, marketing materials, and dissemination content for social innovation projects—helping to enhance project visibility and knowledge sharing. I enjoy mixing creativity with technology to experiment with new digital experiences. When I am not working, you will probably find me doing archery, cooking something new, snapping photos, or exploring the outdoors.
José Câmara
Researcher | Designer
I am a designer and multimedia creator with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. I previously ran my own advertising agency, collaborating with clients across various industries. At SHINE, I focus on creating multimedia assets, marketing materials, and dissemination content for social innovation projects—helping to enhance project visibility and knowledge sharing. I enjoy mixing creativity with technology to experiment with new digital experiences. When I am not working, you will probably find me doing archery, cooking something new, snapping photos, or exploring the outdoors.
José Miguel Marinho
Researcher | Designer
I have a degree in architecture and have been working in this field for over two decades. I beganmy professional career with my own architectural studio and then moved to Switzerland where Iworked as an architect and project manager. I took part in large-scale projects such as luxuryhotels, retirement homes and schools, work ingtogether with various countries inmultidisciplinary teams. At SHINE I am a researcher and designer. In my spare time, I enjoy doingsports as I was a roller hockey player and coach for over 30 years.
Luís Pires
Researcher
I am a psychologist and a university teacher, with a strong passion for science. Since I finished myPhD in 2017, I have participated in both national and European projects linked to the areas ofhealth psychology, psychophysiology and neuropsychology. At SHINE I continue this experienceto be part of multidisciplinary and international teams that merge knowledge from differentareas of expertise. I am a family devoted man, with a wife and two daughters, and I try to spendas much time as possible with them, exploring wonderful places of our city, country, world!