Denise Castilho de Matos is the Coordinator for Internationalisation at the Portuguese National Agency Erasmus+. With over 20 years of experience in international relations, she leads national initiatives such as the Study & Research in Portugal campaign and supports the strategic engagement of Portuguese higher education institutions in European University Alliances. She holds postgraduate degrees in International Relations and African Studies, and has undertaken advanced PhD-level training in Human Geography, focusing on European public policy and cooperation.
Prior to her current role, she headed the International Affairs Division at the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of
Architecture, Engineering and Innovation at the University of Lisbon. She has coordinated multiple European projects, co-coordinates a work package within the UNITE! European University Alliance, and has represented Portugal in international networks such as IAESTE, TIME and MAGALHÃES.
Her work is recognised for its contribution to higher education policy, international cooperation, and capacity building.