About us

Pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. The growing production and use of synthetic chemicals, materials, and products have led to widespread contamination of air, water, soil, and ecosystems, posing serious risks to human health and biodiversity.

The Centre for Pollution Research and Policy (CPRP) at Brunel brings together interdisciplinary expertise to advance research and develop practical solutions to address these challenges. Through cutting-edge research, systems-based approaches, and collaboration with policymakers, industry, and communities, the Centre informs sustainable environmental management and evidence-based policy development.

CPRP aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by generating knowledge that informs policy, drives innovation, and contributes to cleaner, healthier, and more resilient environments.

The Centre is led by Dr Eleni Iacovidou, an expert in sustainable resource and waste management, with Dr Theodoros Giakoumis serving as Deputy Director, specialising in integrated water resources management and environmental policy. 

Read more about the Centre Director

Dr Eleni Iacovidou is an environmental management systems scientist whose work focuses on advancing sustainability in resource and waste management through integrated governance, systems thinking, and policy analysis. Her research aims to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen environmental resilience, and promote circular value chains that protect planetary health.

She has a strong track record of translating research into practical tools and policy insights that support improved environmental management and pollution prevention in the UK and internationally. Her work helps policymakers and industry identify effective intervention points for advancing sustainability in complex resource and waste systems.

Dr Iacovidou is a Chartered member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), serves on the British Plastics Federation Sustainability Group and holds advisory positions with Defra. She completed her PhD in Environmental Management and Policy Research from Imperial College London.

Dr Eleni Iacovidou

Dr Eleni Iacovidou

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Read more about the Centre Deputy Director

 

Dr Theodoros Giakoumis is an environmental scientist with a background in natural resources management, environmental technology and policy. His research focuses on applying systems thinking to address complex environmental problems, formulating evidence-based methodologies to enhance decision-making and facilitate the effective implementation of environmental policies. 
His current research investigates drivers nd risks associated with combined sewer overflows on receiving waters and the antimicrobial resistance burden of pharmaceutical waste in India. His work is widely cited in water policy documents and technical reports by the EU, Environment Agencies (in the UK and internationally), and the UN. Dr Giakoumis has advised NGOs (e.g., Blueprint for Water, RSPB England) and media outlets (BBC, Channel 4) on water policy and pollution. 

Giakoumis

Dr Theodoros Giakoumis

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Empowering students through leadership and engagement


The Centre promotes equality, inclusion and diversity across its leadership and activities, and is committed to creating opportunities for students to actively contribute to our research community and develop their leadership and professional skills.

As part of this commitment, in academic year 2025/26, the Centre welcomed three MSc students, Anmol Pandey, Kirsty Amoo, and Ralph Balmaceda, to its Leadership Team as student volunteers.

Working alongside the Centre’s academic leadership, they have taken responsibility for key areas of the Centre’s activities, bringing fresh perspectives, ideas and energy while gaining valuable experience in research engagement, communications, partnership building and event coordination.

  • Anmol Pandey (MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design) leads marketing and outreach, helping to amplify CPRP’s research, activities and impact.
  • Kirsty Amoo (MSc Environmental Management – Sustainable Water Resources) leads events and partnerships, helping to build connections between the Centre and stakeholders, industry and policy networks.
  • Ralph Balmaceda (MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design) leads communications, helping to ensure that CPRP’s research and activities reach wider and more diverse audiences.

By involving students in the Centre’s leadership, CPRP creates opportunities for them to take an active role in shaping its activities while developing valuable skills and professional networks. At the same time, their involvement brings fresh perspectives to the Centre and strengthens its connection with the wider student community.

Through this approach, CPRP recognises and empowers students as active contributors to its research community, helping to foster an inclusive environment where their ideas, perspectives and capabilities are valued.

 


 

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