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5 minutes with Dr Maria Duaso

27 August 2025

Dr Maria Duaso is Associate Dean (International Engagement) in the Faculty. She shares the journey her career has taken her on, including building the Faculty's approach to transnational education.

Maria Duaso

Briefly, could you tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I trained as a nurse in Spain and worked in cardiology before moving to the UK on a scholarship to complete a Master’s and PhD at Durham University. Since then, I have worked at the University of Navarra, the University of Reading and now King’s. My work has mainly focused on leading postgraduate clinical research education to increase research capacity among the healthcare workforce , while also developing a research portfolio on promoting healthy behaviours.

What does your role as Associate Dean (International Engagement) involve?
I work closely with the Vice-Dean (International) and our International Office to strengthen the Faculty’s global partnerships, support international mobility for students and staff and identify new opportunities for collaboration in education and research. I also act as a point of contact for colleagues interested in expanding their international reach, helping to coordinate and amplify our efforts.

What is it about NMPC that means we are particularly well placed to innovate on international engagement in education?
Our strength comes not only from being ranked number one in the world, but also from our identity as the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, with a strong track record in multiprofessional education and research across healthcare disciplines. This breadth puts us in an excellent position to collaborate globally on undergraduate, CPD, Master’s and doctoral education, as well as postdoctoral healthcare research.

What has the Faculty got coming up in international engagement that we can look forward to?
We are building on the Faculty’s existing successes in international work and strengthening our approach to Transnational Education (TNE), bringing education and research opportunities together in a more integrated way. Our next steps will focus on shaping priorities and partnerships in line with College policy, ensuring our international engagement continues to grow in quality and impact.

What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
The people. Everyone works hard, there is a real sense of collaboration and there are many opportunities to connect across faculties and institutions.

What do you do with your time outside of work?
Swimming and cycling outdoors, spending time with my family and catching up with friends.

Quick fire

Favourite meal? Anything involving good company, like tapas-style eating or homemade tacos with fresh ingredients.

Hidden talent? Not sure it counts as a talent, but I am good at keeping friendships. I still meet up every year with my primary school friends

In this story

Maria Duaso

Maria Duaso

Associate Dean (International Engagement) and Senior Lecturer

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