About us

Pollution is a leading cause of non-communicable diseases and environmental degradation. The increasing production of synthetic chemicals and the vast array of materials, components and products in our economy have resulted in widespread pollution, comprising countless chemicals and materials. This pollution - whether chemical or material-based - poses serious threats to wildlife and human health, as well as to the quality of our air, soil, and water, ultimately jeopardizing our food and water supply. 
 
Building on the strong track record of Brunel staff, the Centre for Pollution Research and Policy (CPRP) is committed to advancing efforts to protect the environment and human health from all forms of pollution – whether in the air, soil, water, or biosphere. It leads research and innovation, driving solutions that promote sustainable practices, resilient ecosystems, and informed policymaking. 
 
The following centre’s objectives seek to create a strong foundation for impactful research, practical application, and resources to sustain the centre’s mission and enhance both internal growth and external influence: 

• Pioneering cutting-edge research: Tackling significant global environmental challenges to push knowledge forward and align this work with urgent societal needs, enhancing research relevance and standing.
• Translate research into action: Ensuring research outcomes are applicable and reach real-world settings to inform policy, drive industry innovation, and benefit society, aiding transformative change.
• Secure sustainable funding: Attaining reliable funding ensures continuity in the research agenda, supporting staff, projects, and growth and enabling ongoing investment, strengthening the centre’s stability and capacity for impactful research.

These objectives align with CPRP’s overarching aim: to bridge the gap between theory and practice, conducting impactful research that addresses critical global challenges.  
 
The Centre is led by Dr Eleni Iacovidou, an expert in resource and waste management, and is supported by Deputy Director Dr Theodoros Giakoumis, an expert in integrated water resources management and policy.  
 
Both academics are highly skilled in using systems thinking to address complex environmental challenges, including chemical and pollution control and resource and waste management. They develop evidence-based methodologies that inform decision-making and support the effective implementation of environmental policies.

Read more about the Centre Director

Dr Eleni Iacovidou is a leading expert in lifecycle sustainability assessment of resource and waste management systems, utilising a systems-based approach which combines environmental science, engineering, and governance.

Her research focuses on enhancing resource efficiency and environmental resilience, promoting planetary health, and creating value through circular value chains.

Dr Iacovidou has a proven track record of translating research into effective practices and policies that improve environmental management and reduce pollution in the UK and beyond.

Her work has influenced policy approaches to optimise resource and waste management systems while tackling pollution from improper management and disposal, guiding policymakers and decision-makers nationally and internationally to identify key intervention points for advancing sustainability in resource and waste management.

Dr Iacovidou is a Chartered member of both the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and the Chartered Institution of Waste Management. She also serves on the British Plastics Federation Sustainability Group and holds advisory positions with Defra. A trained chemist with expertise in environmental engineering, management, and policy, Dr Iacovidou earned her PhD in Environmental Management and Policy Research from Imperial College London.

 

Dr Eleni Iacovidou

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