Maria da Luz Fernandes holds a Ph.D. from the Doctoral Program Do*Mar- Marine Science, Technology and Management from the University of Aveiro (2021) in collaboration with the University of Coruña. Currently works at GOVCOPP (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies) in University of Aveiro as a Junior Researcher. Previously has worked for ENVISION Project as a PhD. Researcher on the scope of Strategic Environmental Assessment, Sustainability and Urban Transitions. Between 2013 and 2021 has worked in CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), at University of Aveiro. Here, she has participated in several national and European-funded projects in the field of Maritime Spatial Planning and Strategic Environmental Assessment. She is the author of 12 scientific papers listed in WOS, published in international journals such as the Journal of Cleaner Production, Science of the Total Environment, and Marine Policy, among others. Research interests are socio-ecological systems, sustainability, environmental assessment, coastal management and maritime spatial planning.