Ana Sofia Santos is a researcher at the Center for the Study of Vectors and Infectious Diseases (CEVDI) of the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Portugal. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences – Microbiology (completed in 2007) and an MSc in Medical Parasitology (completed in 2001). Her main research interests are within the Medical and Health Science, with a focus on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and emerging zoonoses. To date, Ana Sofia Santos has coordinated three scientific projects (one as co-coordinator) and has actively contributed to six other competitively funded projects, reflecting her commitment to collaborative research. She is also part of the research team of the Portuguese Vector Surveillance Network (REVIVE). She has authored 49 peer-reviewed papers, nine book chapters, and has received three awards or honorable mentions in recognition of her scientific achievements. She is a member of Environmental Health Institute at University of Lisbon (ISAMB), and has participated in international expert groups on Q fever and granulocytic anaplasmosis. She has also been invited to join the evaluator panel of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) for the assessment of Cost Actions proposals. She belongs to the editorial board of Peer Community In (PCI-Infections), and has acted as ad hoc reviewer for more than 17 international journals. Her contributions extend beyond research, including participation as invited lecturer at Portuguese universities, and in the supervision of nine MSc and a PhD student. In addition, she has actively participated in science communication and outreach initiatives, including citizen science projects and training activities for non-specialist audiences.