On April 5, 2024, Professor Maria João Pereira, a distinguished academic and former President of the Department of Energy Resources (DER), assumed the role of Secretary of State for Energy in the XXIV Government of Portugal.

Professor Maria João Pereira holds a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering and has earned the prestigious title of Georesources Aggregation. Her academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Mineral Processing and Mine Planning, which she pursued after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in Portugal’s energy sector, and Professor Pereira’s expertise promises to contribute significantly to the country’s sustainable energy policies and initiatives.