Joana Fragão has a degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Ecology from the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Currently is a Biosciences PhD student at the University of Coimbra and conducts research at the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE | Portugal) and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS | Cambridge, United Kingdom).

   She is studying the impacts of anthropogenic activities, specifically the microplastic pollution and the impact of the plastic additives in the food chain of the Scotia Sea, Antarctica. In addition to scientific activities, she participates in actions to disseminate polar science in schools.

   Her main areas of interest are polar ecology, climate change, impact of anthropogenic activities on the ecosystem, science communication and environmental law.

   Joana has been a member of the Executive Committee of APECS Portugal since January 2019, and was President in 2023 and 2024.