Joana Lia Ferreira graduated in Conservation and Restoration in 2001 and holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Science (2011). She is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Conservation and Restoration from NOVA School of Science and Technology and  has dedicated herself to the study and conservation of plastics and other historic synthetic polymers. In this context, has coordinated several research projects, namely "Plastic Paints in Art: the impact of manufacturing processes on their long-term stability, PlasCO2 – Green CO2 technologies for the cleaning of plastics in Museums and Heritage Collections", and "HERIT-AGES. Plastic and Glass ‘Ages’ for whom? Exploring new avenues for valuing and preserving heritage for the future". Working essentially with contemporary art, the study of technology and its impact on preservation and the assessment of cultural significance as a basis for Heritage conservation management are her main research interests.