CIGS alumna Ana Cristina Santos elected President of the European Sociological Association

Professor Ana Cristina Santos, who completed her PhD in Gender Studies at the University of Leeds in 2009, has been elected President of the European Sociological Association for 2026-2028.

Professor Santos is currently Research Director with Habilitation in Human Rights at the Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra. She has led a number of major international research projects, including two projects funded by the European Research Council.

She was elected during the General Assembly held as part of the 17th European Sociological Association Congress at the University of Warsaw in August 2026. The European Sociological Association brings together more than 3,000 members and provides an important international space for sociological research, teaching and exchange. The Association has confirmed Professor Santos as President for the 2026–2028 term, highlighting her commitment to public sociology, diversity, equality and inclusion. 

Her election is an important achievement and a moment of pride for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies and School communities. It also demonstrates the international contribution made by graduates of our PhD programmes.

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies and the School of Sociology and Social Policy are delighted to celebrate the election of Professor Santos and would like to extend their congratulations to her.