Maria Irene Carvalho holds a post-doctorate in Human Rights, Health and Justice from the University of Coimbra; a PhD in Social Work from ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon; a master's degree and a degree in Social Work from the Higher Institute of Social Work in Lisbon. She holds a Diploma of Advanced Studies in SW, a Postgraduate Diploma in Family and Society from ISCTE, as well as Diploma of Specialisation in Adult Education from the Institute of Education of the University of Lisbon. She is associate professor at the University of Lisbon, at the Higher Institute of Social and Political Sciences. She teaches on the BA in SW, the master in Social work and sustainability, and in the PhD in Social Policy. She is currently co-coordinator of the Social Work and Social Policy Unit, and is executive coordinator of the Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, also co-ordinator of the internships (in collaboration). She is a member of the scientific council of the PhD in nursing at the University of Lisbon/ESEL. Since 2024 he has been a member of the Supervisory Board of the Portuguese Social Workers Councill that regulates the profession in Portugal. She is an integrated researcher at CAPP - Centre for Administration and Public Policies, in the Welfare Systems and Social Intervention Group, specifically focusing on SW, institutional and community contexts. Her research focuses on SW, Human Rights and Social Justice, ethics, social policy, refugees, health, long-term care, gerontology, and SW supervision.