About
Researching criminology.
Cátia Pontedeira is a University Professor and Researcher whose scientific work focuses on Criminology, Victimology, Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Crime, and Criminal Justice Systems.
Cátia Pontedeira holds a PhD in Criminology from the Faculty of Law of the University of Porto, awarded with the European Doctorate distinction and including a period of research at the University of Liverpool. She also holds an MSc in Forensic Sciences from London South Bank University and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Maia. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maia and an Invited Assistant Professor at the School of Law of the University of Minho. She is an integrated researcher at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies (CIEG/ISCSP-University of Lisbon) and a collaborating researcher at JusGov – Research Centre for Justice and Governance at the University of Minho. Throughout her career, she has sought to bridge scientific research and real-world societal challenges, contributing to a better understanding of crime, violence and victimisation, the protection of victims, and the development of more effective, evidence-based institutional responses.
Her work combines research, teaching, specialised training and collaboration in national and international projects, driven by the conviction that scientific knowledge should generate impact beyond academia by informing public policy, strengthening professional practice.
About me
My interest in Criminology is driven by the pursuit of a scientific understanding of crime, violence and victimisation, to contribute to the development of more effective, equitable and evidence-based responses that advance crime prevention, protect victims, and strengthen the criminal justice system.
Over the years, that interest evolved into research focused on gender-based violence, including domestic violence, teen dating violence, femicide, sexual violence, victim protection and how justice systems respond.
Experience across different universities, participation in European projects and collaboration with international teams have shaped a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach.
From evidence to impact
Research to understand and inform.
Science should have an impact beyond the walls of universities. Scientific knowledge becomes meaningful when it informs decision-making, improves professional practice, shapes public policy, and contributes to a safer and better-informed society. I seek to strengthen this connection between research, teaching, and practice.
Impact on society
From science to society.
The research developed aims to support evidence-informed decision-making, strengthen public policies, and improve institutional and professional responses. This commitment is reflected in participation in international research projects, the development of policy recommendations, specialised professional training, and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to society.
Values
Looking forward
Continuing to build knowledge.
The future of research on violence, victimisation and inequalities calls for interdisciplinary approaches, international cooperation, and an increasingly close connection between scientific knowledge, public policy and professional practice. My goal is to continue conducting research with meaningful impact, contribute to the development of new generations of researchers, and support fairer and more effective institutional responses.