PhD Student at University of Coimbra | Portugal
Matilde Betencourt Fernandes Damas Moreira is a dedicated PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Coimbra, with expertise in energy economics, growth policies, and sustainability. Her academic journey reflects a strong passion for the socioeconomic aspects of energy transitions and structural policies. She has contributed to high-quality research through published journal articles and conference presentations. With a blend of academic rigor and real-world insight, she represents a growing voice in the field, committed to advancing energy transition policies and promoting sustainable development through interdisciplinary economic approaches.
Professional Profile
Scopus | Google Scholar
Education
Her educational background demonstrates a clear trajectory of excellence in economics, supported by consistent academic achievements. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Economics, followed by a master’s degree with a specialization in growth economics and structural policies. Currently pursuing her PhD, her research focuses on capital formation and its role in energy transition across various economies. Her academic milestones reflect a commitment to deepening knowledge, contributing to policy debates, and pursuing excellence in economic research, showcasing her capacity for critical thinking and advanced problem-solving in pressing global sustainability issues.
Professional Experience
Matilde has cultivated a diverse professional profile, combining research, teaching, and outreach. She serves as a Doctoral Fellow at Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia and a Guest Assistant Professor at the University of Coimbra, where she teaches macroeconomics. Beyond academia, she has gained practical experience through internships and tutoring roles, highlighting her versatility. Active in student councils and community initiatives, she blends leadership skills with academic expertise. Her career journey illustrates a dedication to nurturing future professionals while contributing research that informs energy policies and economic transformation in an evolving global context.
Research Interest
Matilde’s research interests encompass energy economics, sustainability, and growth economics, focusing on the dynamics of capital formation in energy transition. She explores the socioeconomic impact of green transformations on inequality, sectoral growth, and human development. By examining how policy measures, governance, and economic structures influence energy consumption and carbon intensity, her work bridges economic theory with environmental realities. Her studies offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to balance economic growth and sustainable practices, positioning her research at the intersection of energy transitions, development economics, and global climate change challenges.
Award And Honor
Matilde Betencourt has earned numerous awards that highlight her academic excellence and leadership. She was recognized as the Best Student in the Master of Economics program and was included multiple times on the Merit Board for top-performing students. Additional honors include awards for exemplary performance at the University of Coimbra and early recognition for outstanding achievements in secondary education. Her accolades underscore her dedication, consistent hard work, and intellectual capability. These recognitions demonstrate her ability to excel in competitive academic environments, positioning her as a distinguished scholar in economics and sustainability research.
Research Skill
Matilde demonstrates strong research expertise in econometric modeling, policy analysis, and quantitative research. Her work employs advanced methodologies, including P-ARDL and MMQR, to study the effects of capital formation and policy on energy transition. She actively collaborates with scholars, contributing to multi-authored publications and international conferences. Her skills extend to data-driven decision-making, ensuring rigorous evaluation of economic trends. By integrating technical skills with critical analysis, she creates impactful contributions to energy transition studies. Matilde’s research skills are strengthened by her commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, fostering actionable insights for sustainable economic development strategies.
Publications
Matilde has co-authored several influential journal articles that examine the intersection of energy, policy, and economic growth. Her publications in prominent journals highlight topics such as carbon intensity, policy stringency, and capital formation within the context of energy transition. Through these contributions, she has established herself as an emerging voice in sustainable economics research. Her scholarly presence is further supported by conference presentations and published proceedings, showcasing her engagement in global academic discourse. Matilde’s ability to disseminate complex findings in accessible formats demonstrates her commitment to advancing knowledge and promoting research-driven solutions.
Title: Do the relationships among policy stringency, corruption, and public size differ across country groups in the context of green transformation?
Authors: V Kaymaz, JA Fuinhas, N Silva, H Domingos, M Betencourt
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management 384, 125533, 2025
Title: The Impact of Dynamic Capital Formation in Energy Transition: Empirical Evidence from the European Union
Authors: M Betencourt, JA Fuinhas
Journal: Energy, 138186, 2025
Title: Are the structure dynamics of capital stock impacting carbon intensity from energy consumption? European insights
Authors: JA Fuinhas, M Belucio, R Santiago, M Betencourt
Journal: Energy, Ecology and Environment, 1-20, 2025
Title: The Impact of Dynamic Capital Formation in Energy Transition
Authors: MBFD Moreira
Journal: Universidade de Coimbra, 2024
Conclusion
Matilde Betencourt Fernandes Damas Moreira represents a new generation of scholars shaping energy and sustainability economics. Her career combines rigorous academic research, teaching excellence, and leadership within both institutional and community spaces. Her work provides meaningful contributions to understanding how economic structures and policy interventions influence global energy dynamics. Through her doctoral research, Matilde continues to expand her expertise and influence, positioning herself as a leader in the field of energy transition studies. Her professional trajectory illustrates both academic excellence and a deep commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.