Eduarda Marques da Costa is associate professor at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning of University of Lisbon. She teaches geography and spatial planning and is a researcher in the Centre of Geographical Studies. In her role, she coordinates the graduation and a research group in spatial planning. Dr. Marques da Costa's scientific interest areas include regional, urban and local planning, urban geography and evaluation of public policies. Since 1988, she is a consultant in private and public institutions and participated and coordinated numerous research projects and studies for public and private institutions. In the last years, Dr. Marques da Costa participated in DG Regio studies as member of the scientific committee of Regions 2020, in ESPON Program as member of the sounding board, INTERREG B projects network, and evaluation studies of public policy linked to structural funds in Portugal. Dr. Marques da Costa has published several articles, most recent entitled Sustainable Urban Development in Portugal: an Integrated Approach for the European Commission Directorate General for Regional Policy, DG Regio.