She holds a PhD and a Masters Degree in Nursing (University of Athens and University of Manchester) and a degree in Public Administration. Dr Papastavrou served as a President of the Nursing and Midwifery regulatory body in Cyprus for 6 years (2006-2012) and is an active member of the National Alzheimer’s committee of experts. She also served as a consultant for the evaluation of nursing education programs in Cyprus and in European peer assessment missions concerning the recognition of professional qualifications. Dr Papastavrou is involved in several international research projects and is a reviewer in many nursing journals.