Maria Paula Mendes has a PhD degree in Earth Resources completed in 2013 at Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon). She graduated in Water Resources Engineering from University of Évora and has a Master degree in Earth Resources, concluded in 2004, at Instituto Superior Técnico. Since October 2008, she is working on the development of practical methodologies for the assessment of the effectiveness of action programs and assessment of groundwater status, established under the Water Framework Directive. Maria Paula Mendes's research interests cover a wide range of themes including groundwater pollution risk assessment, groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems and, more recently spatial planning. She is also interested in water management issues associated to climate change and water conflicts. Since 2001, her professional activity has developed through R&D and consultancy.