Helder Miguel Fernandes holds a degree in Physical Education and Sports, and a PhD in Psychology (Health and Exercise) from the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro., and has also completed a Post-Doctoral fellowship in Sports Sciences, studying the psychological and physiological responses to different modes and intensities of exercise. He serves as an associate editor and editorial board member in several peer-reviewed journals in the areas of Sport, Psychology and Human Development. His research activities are developed at two government-funded research centers: CIDESD-UTAD and RECI-Piaget.

Dr. Fernandes' research and teaching interests are in Sport Psychology, Exercise and Health Psychology, and Positive Psychology. His main research goals are to study and identify the psycho-social-cultural factors that enhance people's well-being and /or performance in different achievement settings.