Dr. Valesca Lima is Assistant Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government at DCU. She is the ENHANCE project co-PI together with Aishling Silke. Her research focuses on participatory democracy and the role of citizens in shaping more inclusive and democratic societies. She has been at the forefront of examining how citizens can be more effectively included in decision-making processes, particularly at sub-national levels. Dr. Lima’s expertise in housing and urban studies includes investigating the financialisation of housing, the social mobilisation for housing rights, and innovative policies aimed at creating a more democratic and inclusive housing system. She currently co-convenes the Participatory and Deliberative Democracy Specialist Group of the Political Studies Association of Ireland (PSAI). Through research, publications, and active engagement in academic and advocacy groups, Dr. Valesca Lima strives significant contributions to the fields of participatory democracy and citizen social sciences, championing the voices of those often marginalized in policymaking processes.