Sandra Fernandes is an accomplished academic and researcher with extensive experience in political science and international relations. Currently serving as the Director and Researcher at the Centro de Investigação em Ciência Política and as an Assistant Professor with Tenure at the University of Minho, Sandra has held various leadership roles, including program director for both the MA and BA in International Relations, and deputy director of the Department of International Relations and Public Administration. In addition to these academic responsibilities, Sandra is involved in editorial roles for several publications, including serving as an Associate Editor for Frontiers and Editor for the Caucasus Analytical Digest at ETH Zurich. Sandra has been appointed as a Government Representative by the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education and as an Evaluation Specialist for various organizations, highlighting a commitment to enhancing higher education and research quality. An alumnus of Sciences Po with a Ph.D. in Political Science, Sandra holds multiple degrees from Universidade do Minho, reflecting a strong educational background in the field.