Maria Sanchez-Ortiz

Maria Sanchez-Ortiz is a Senior Lecturer in Translation and Interpreting Studies at the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture (LLMVC), University of Aberdeen, where she has been actively contributing since 2016. She serves as Programme Director for both the on-campus and distance learning MSc in Translation Studies and co-directs the Centre for Multilingual Research. She previously directed the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies from 2020 to 2023 and coordinated the undergraduate programme in Modern Languages and Translation from 2017 to 2020.

Her educational background is extensive and interdisciplinary:

• PhD in Translation Studies, University of Bradford (2006)
• MSc in Dubbing, Subtitling & Localization, Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüísticos y Traducción, Spain (2019)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, University of Salford (2015)
• Diploma in Audiovisual Translation, Universidad de Educación a Distancia, Spain (2014)
• Diploma in Public Service Interpreting, CIoL (2007)
• MA in European Studies, University of Bradford (1994)
• Diploma in Spanish with Translation and Interpreting, CIoL (1992)
• BA in English Language and Literature, University of Granada, Spain (1989)

Maria's research focuses on Translation and Interpreting Studies, with particular emphasis on literary translation, audiovisual translation, translator training, sociolinguistics, dialect translation, and the impact of AI on translation professions. She has supervised multiple PhD students to completion and actively welcomes new doctoral candidates in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Her work consistently bridges theory and practice, with a strong pedagogical orientation.

Her 15 most recent publications span from 1996 to 2024, reflecting a sustained engagement with core issues in translation. The articles reveal a deep interest in the pragmatics, ethics, and cultural dimensions of translation, particularly in literary and dialectal contexts. A recurring theme is the translator's agency and the challenges of preserving stylistic and sociolinguistic nuances. More recently, her work has addressed gender, multiculturalism, and the evolving role of technology in translation.

She has received numerous teaching accolades, including:

• Awarded 'Best Undergraduate Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2024–2025)
• Awarded 'Funniest Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2023–2024)
• Awarded 'Best Taught Postgraduate Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2018–2019)
• Nominated for 'The Most Inspiring Lecturer' (2019–2020) and Excellence in Teaching awards

Maria Sanchez-Ortiz is an active supervisor, mentor, and curriculum developer. She has served as an external examiner for MA and BA programmes at several UK universities, including Manchester, Open University, Portsmouth, Durham, and Bath. She is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (since 2015) and a member of key professional bodies such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies. She also contributes to academic journals as a member of editorial and advisory boards.

She leads and co-directs major research centres at Aberdeen, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in multilingual research. Her leadership in the European Graduate Placement Scheme and membership in the PACTE Research Group highlight her commitment to international cooperation and empirical research in translation competence.