Juliet Wood

Dr. Juliet Wood is Deputy Head of the Department of Midwifery and Health Sciences and Lead Midwife for Education at Bournemouth University, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. She plays a key leadership role in midwifery education and research, with extensive experience in both clinical and academic settings across the UK and South Africa.

Education:

• BSc (Hons) in Nursing Studies, University of London (1985)
• Registered General Nurse, UK Central Council (1985)
• Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, Royal College of Midwives (1990)
• PG Diploma in Higher Education, University of Cape Town (2011)
• PhD in Midwifery, University of the South Bank (1999)
• PGCE in Higher Education, Bournemouth University (2017)
• Senior Fellow, Higher Education Authority (2021)

Her research interests center on midwifery, physiological labour and birth, rising caesarean section rates, and maternity care in low-resource settings. She is particularly focused on understanding the barriers and enablers to student midwives' ability to support normal birth. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Reduced Inequalities.

Dr. Wood's recent publications reveal a strong focus on global maternal health, especially in South Asia and urban Nepal, analyzing drivers of rising caesarean rates, evaluating interventions for maternal nutrition, and exploring equity in research participation. Her methodologies include systematic reviews, mixed-methods studies, and international surveys of student midwives, reflecting a commitment to evidence-based, globally relevant midwifery practice.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority in Education (2021)

She supervises doctoral and master's students and has secured research grants from Bournemouth University and GIZ for projects on student midwife education and midwifery strengthening in Nepal. Her advisory roles include external examiner positions at multiple UK and South African universities and consultancy with the University of Cambridge. She is also active in public engagement, serving on charity boards and providing counseling services.

Dr. Wood is involved in several research labs and international collaborations, particularly with teams in Nepal, South Africa, and across Europe, focusing on midwifery education reform and maternal health equity.