Sandra Pais

Sandra Pais is a health scientist and senior researcher at the Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), based at the University of Évora. She has an established track record in healthy ageing, health literacy, and chronic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Her research focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of complex, person-centred interventions aimed at improving health outcomes, self-management and quality of care, particularly in older adults and populations living in low-density and underserved regions.

She has extensive experience leading multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder projects, working closely with healthcare providers, local authorities, social care organisations and patient representatives. Her work is strongly oriented towards knowledge translation and real-world impact, contributing to regional and international strategies in active and healthy ageing and chronic disease management.

Her current research interests include health literacy, frailty, musculoskeletal conditions—particularly in knee and low back pain—and integrated models of care, with a strong emphasis on co-creation and participatory approaches.