About

Sara Brandão is Head of the Research Students Office at INESC TEC, where she she is developing the office’s strategy, structure and new initiatives to strengthen the experience, development and integration of students involved in research, in alignment with the institution’s mission and strategic priorities.

With a background in institutional development, strategic implementation, organisational transformation, research management, human resources strategy and financial control, she has over 25 years of professional experience across industry, academia and research-driven organisations.

Her path has been shaped by the creation of new structures, the development of strategic programmes and the ability to turn complex institutional challenges into practical and sustainable initiatives. Before joining INESC TEC, she managed a research department at the University of Cambridge and later served as Executive Director of the Carnegie Mellon Portugal Program, where she was responsible for its strategic implementation and executive management, ensuring alignment between participating universities, partner organisations and the Portuguese government.

At INESC TEC, she has contributed to institutional development through the design and implementation of a new human resources management model and, more recently, through the creation and development of the Research Students Office.

Her profile combines strategic thinking, operational execution, and a people-centred approach to organisational change, with a focus on creating structures and initiatives that promote institutional growth and development.

She holds a degree in Business Administration from the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto, a postgraduate qualification in Auditing and Management Control from Católica Porto Business School, and an Executive Education for HR Directors from Católica-Lisbon SBE.