Dr. Maria Pothoulaki

Social Sciences

Dr Maria Pothoulaki holds the position of Teaching and Research Faculty Member at UNIC Athens. She is a psychologist and researcher with expertise in applied health psychology, chronic illness, public health, and ethics. Dr Pothoulaki completed her PhD in Health Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2006, supported by a three-year University studentship, following a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Her research focuses on the psychosocial factors that influence health, illness, and the experience and management of chronic conditions. Her work has addressed a range of issues within applied health psychology, public health, and ethics, with a particular interest in understanding how psychological, social, and contextual factors shape health-related experiences and outcomes. Her research background is grounded in mixed-methods approach, with emphasis on qualitative research and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Dr Pothoulaki has published research in scientific journals and has been invited to contribute as a peer reviewer for academic publications. Alongside her research activities, she has extensive experience in the development and delivery of training and teaching materials for health professionals, researchers, and other audiences. Her expertise includes the design of training methods and approaches that support knowledge development, professional learning, and the effective application of research in practice through the development and implementation of interventions.

Over the years, she has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and professionals from diverse backgrounds across academia, international organisations, civil society organisations, and policy-making institutions throughout the European Union. These experiences have provided extensive opportunities to work in professional and organisational contexts, bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise to address complex challenges.

Dr Pothoulaki brings extensive expertise in research, training, teaching, interdisciplinary communication and project coordination with a strong focus on developing sustainable interventions for diverse and complex environments.