Carla Santos has a PhD in Biotechnology (with speciality in Environmental Science and Engineering) from Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

Her research focuses on the application of advanced biotechnological techniques in the study of plant physiology and nutrition. She founded the LeguCon consortium (2020), the first network in Portugal to promote the increase of legumes' agricultural production and link science and citizens. Through this network, her main goals are to increase knowledge and environmental conscience among consumers and promote sustainable production and consumption patterns. Is co-author of more than 30 publications indexed in international journals and is/was part of the supervising team of 2 PhD thesis and 15 MSc thesis. Is Associate Editor of the Board of Plant Nutrition, a speciality section within Frontiers in Plant Science.