Iacovidou
my research focuses on sustainable solutions for resource and waste management, with a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and sustainability assessment. i use a systems thinking approach (cvorr) to understand environmental challenges holistically and to identify points where practical interventions can generate the greatest value and impact. by considering not only environmental and engineering aspects but also social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, my work highlights the multidimensional value of resource recovery systems. this approach helps create solutions that are technically sound, socially inclusive, and supportive of a faster transition to sustainability. my research is primarily desktop-based and centres on five key areas: plastic and plastic packaging systems – assessing sustainable pathways to circularity textiles management – advancing prevention and reuse in a sustainable society food waste management – addressing challenges for sustainable consumption and recovery construction components – promoting reuse and modular structures waste electrical and electronic equipment (weee) – repair, reuse, and circular strategies in addition, i examine the effects of technological and regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the impacts of informal recycling systems on society and the environment. i am also exploring how waste infrastructure can be tailored to area-specific contexts and how smart technologies can enable product and component tracking across the value chain. the ultimate goal of my research is to provide systemic and integrated sustainability assessments that support evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and foster academic collaboration. by applying systems thinking, i aim to reduce material leakage, extend product lifespans, and enhance resource efficiency, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. my research interests lie at the intersection of sustainability, circular economy, and systems thinking. i am particularly interested in exploring strategies for resource-efficient system design, material circularity, and value recovery from industrial processes. i am also keen to investigate the integration of smart technologies and ai to enhance sustainability across value chains, as well as the regulatory, infrastructural, and stakeholder factors that influence the transition to a circular, resource-efficient economy. my research lies at the intersection of environmental management, the circular economy, and sustainability assessment. a defining feature of my work is the application of systems thinking to evaluate and enhance the sustainable management of resources and waste. key areas of inquiry include the circularity and sustainability of materials, components, and product systems; strategies for technology adaptation and infrastructure capacity assessment; and value recovery from industry to support the transition toward sustainable societies through reduction, repair, and reuse. beyond these, i investigate regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the integration of smart technologies and ai to track materials, components, and products across value chains in area-specific contexts. collectively, my research delivers integrated sustainability assessments that inform evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and accelerate the shift toward a more circular and resource-efficient economy. since joining brunel university in november 2018, i have contributed to teaching across the msc programme in environmental management (em), the msc programme in sustainability, entrepreneurship and design (sused), and the bsc programme in environmental sciences. from 2018 to 2025, i led the msc module environmental management and legislation, and from 2019 to 2025, i taught sustainable development and environmental governance at the bsc level (year 3). in 2025, i began leading the resources and waste management pathway within the newly developed msc in environmental management, where i oversee the newly established modules sustainability, policy and governance (msc em and sused) and natural resources and solid waste management. i also contribute to the total environment and environmental tools & methods modules (msc em). additionally, i serve as programme director for the msc sustainability, entrepreneurship and design, overseeing programme quality, curriculum development, and assessment processes.
![Dr Eleni Iacovidou]()
Dr Eleni Iacovidou
My research focuses on sustainable solutions for resource and waste management, with a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and sustainability assessment. I use a systems thinking approach (CVORR) to understand environmental challenges holistically and to identify points where practical interventions can generate the greatest value and impact. By considering not only environmental and engineering aspects but also social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, my work highlights the multidimensional value of resource recovery systems. This approach helps create solutions that are technically sound, socially inclusive, and supportive of a faster transition to sustainability. My research is primarily desktop-based and centres on five key areas: Plastic and plastic packaging systems – assessing sustainable pathways to circularity Textiles management – advancing prevention and reuse in a sustainable society Food waste management – addressing challenges for sustainable consumption and recovery Construction components – promoting reuse and modular structures Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – repair, reuse, and circular strategies In addition, I examine the effects of technological and regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the impacts of informal recycling systems on society and the environment. I am also exploring how waste infrastructure can be tailored to area-specific contexts and how smart technologies can enable product and component tracking across the value chain. The ultimate goal of my research is to provide systemic and integrated sustainability assessments that support evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and foster academic collaboration. By applying systems thinking, I aim to reduce material leakage, extend product lifespans, and enhance resource efficiency, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. My research interests lie at the intersection of sustainability, circular economy, and systems thinking. I am particularly interested in exploring strategies for resource-efficient system design, material circularity, and value recovery from industrial processes. I am also keen to investigate the integration of smart technologies and AI to enhance sustainability across value chains, as well as the regulatory, infrastructural, and stakeholder factors that influence the transition to a circular, resource-efficient economy. My research lies at the intersection of environmental management, the circular economy, and sustainability assessment. A defining feature of my work is the application of systems thinking to evaluate and enhance the sustainable management of resources and waste. Key areas of inquiry include the circularity and sustainability of materials, components, and product systems; strategies for technology adaptation and infrastructure capacity assessment; and value recovery from industry to support the transition toward sustainable societies through reduction, repair, and reuse. Beyond these, I investigate regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the integration of smart technologies and AI to track materials, components, and products across value chains in area-specific contexts. Collectively, my research delivers integrated sustainability assessments that inform evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and accelerate the shift toward a more circular and resource-efficient economy. Since joining Brunel University in November 2018, I have contributed to teaching across the MSc programme in Environmental Management (EM), the MSc programme in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design (SusED), and the BSc programme in Environmental Sciences. From 2018 to 2025, I led the MSc module Environmental Management and Legislation, and from 2019 to 2025, I taught Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance at the BSc level (Year 3). In 2025, I began leading the Resources and Waste Management pathway within the newly developed MSc in Environmental Management, where I oversee the newly established modules Sustainability, Policy and Governance (MSc EM and SusED) and Natural Resources and Solid Waste Management. I also contribute to The Total Environment and Environmental Tools & Methods modules (MSc EM). Additionally, I serve as Programme Director for the MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design, overseeing programme quality, curriculum development, and assessment processes.
Jobling
i am deeply interested in understanding and addressing the impacts of exposures to environmental contaminants on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. urban environments, where the majority of the global population resides, are hotspots for such exposures, and my research has consistently aimed to unravel the pathways and consequences of these interactions. my early work explored how environmental contaminants disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems, leading to significant regulatory advancements. over time, my focus has shifted toward interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental pollution challenges, fostering collaborations across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors. as the founder and director of the institute of environment, health, and societies at brunel university london, i championed interdisciplinary research, integrating expertise from diverse fields. currently, i lead the plastics in indonesian societies (pisces) program, an ambitious initiative to combat plastic pollution through evidence-based solutions and circular economy principles. i am passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers who will drive innovative solutions for a safer and more sustainable planet. environmental contaminants and their impacts on ecosystems, wildlife and human health investigating the pathways through which pollutants affect ecosystems, biodiversity and human health wildlife toxicology and population dynamics studying the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems and aquatic wildlife to understand individual and population-level consequences and support conservation efforts. circular economy and system change interventions collaborative research to help develop and implement circular economy frameworks to reduce plastic waste leakage, with a focus on real-world applications in high-impact regions like indonesia. interdisciplinary solutions to pollution bringing together expertise from various disciplines to create novel methodologies and actionable solutions for pollution mitigation, from local to global scales. policy-driven environmental research ensuring that scientific findings influence policy and regulation to improve environmental quality and public health, bridging the gap between academia and policy-making. research projects: i am currently leading and directing a large nerc funded project called ‘a systems analysis approach to reduce plastic waste in indonesian societies (pisces)’ is an interdisciplinary project involving more than 40 researchers from uk, indonesia, india and thailand . plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. an investment of £20 million by ukri has supported five interdisciplinary research projects that aim to improve understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution in developing countries. the pisces project has been funded under this initiative and aims to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on communities and the environment in indonesia. the team are examining socio-economic, behavioural and cultural factors associated with plastic use in indonesia; developing interventions and assessing their social, environmental and economic benefits. we are working closely with academic partners as well as governments, ngos and industry. project partners include systemiq (project stop and the bali partnership) and the co-ordinating ministry of maritime affairs national plastics action plan. indonesia has a rapidly growing economy and the largest archipelago in the world with exceptionally high levels of plastics contaminating its rivers and seas. pisces will work along the value chain examining the costs of inaction and benefits of targeted interventions. our work will mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and aims to enable cleaner, more resilient and productive environments. we aim to promote economic growth, social inclusion and societal wellbeing including environmental sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.
![Professor Susan Jobling]()
Professor Susan Jobling
I am deeply interested in understanding and addressing the impacts of exposures to environmental contaminants on ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Urban environments, where the majority of the global population resides, are hotspots for such exposures, and my research has consistently aimed to unravel the pathways and consequences of these interactions. My early work explored how environmental contaminants disrupt endocrine and reproductive systems, leading to significant regulatory advancements. Over time, my focus has shifted toward interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental pollution challenges, fostering collaborations across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors. As the Founder and Director of the Institute of Environment, Health, and Societies at Brunel University London, I championed interdisciplinary research, integrating expertise from diverse fields. Currently, I lead the Plastics in Indonesian Societies (PISCES) program, an ambitious initiative to combat plastic pollution through evidence-based solutions and circular economy principles. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of researchers who will drive innovative solutions for a safer and more sustainable planet. Environmental Contaminants and their Impacts on ecosystems, wildlife and human health Investigating the pathways through which pollutants affect ecosystems, biodiversity and human health Wildlife Toxicology and Population Dynamics Studying the effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems and aquatic wildlife to understand individual and population-level consequences and support conservation efforts. Circular Economy and System Change Interventions Collaborative research to help develop and implement circular economy frameworks to reduce plastic waste leakage, with a focus on real-world applications in high-impact regions like Indonesia. Interdisciplinary Solutions to Pollution Bringing together expertise from various disciplines to create novel methodologies and actionable solutions for pollution mitigation, from local to global scales. Policy-Driven Environmental Research Ensuring that scientific findings influence policy and regulation to improve environmental quality and public health, bridging the gap between academia and policy-making. Research Projects: I am currently leading and directing a large NERC funded project called ‘A systems analysis approach to reduce plastic waste in Indonesian societies (PISCES)’ is an interdisciplinary project involving more than 40 researchers from UK, Indonesia, India and Thailand . Plastic pollution is one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. An investment of £20 million by UKRI has supported five interdisciplinary research projects that aim to improve understanding of the impacts of plastic pollution in developing countries. The PISCES project has been funded under this initiative and aims to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on communities and the environment in Indonesia. The team are examining socio-economic, behavioural and cultural factors associated with plastic use in Indonesia; developing interventions and assessing their social, environmental and economic benefits. We are working closely with academic partners as well as Governments, NGOs and industry. Project partners include SYSTEMIQ (Project STOP and the Bali Partnership) and The Co-Ordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs National Plastics Action Plan. Indonesia has a rapidly growing economy and the largest archipelago in the world with exceptionally high levels of plastics contaminating its rivers and seas. PISCES will work along the value chain examining the costs of inaction and benefits of targeted interventions. Our work will mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution and aims to enable cleaner, more resilient and productive environments. We aim to promote economic growth, social inclusion and societal wellbeing including environmental sustainability of oceans and coastal areas.
Manika
danae manika (phd, university of texas at austin) is executive dean and professor of marketing at brunel business school. in the past, danae served as acting executive dean and deputy dean of the college of business, arts and social sciences at brunel university of london; and as associate head of brunel business school. before joining brunel, she was professor of marketing at newcastle university business school, where she led its london campus as academic group head and held the deputy director of research role at newcastle university business school. danae in the past has also held academic positions at queen mary university of london, durham university and the university of texas at austin; and is currently visiting professor at newcastle university and queen mary university of london. prior to her academic career, danae worked as an account planning intern in advertising agencies such as latinworks in austin, tx, and ddb in new york. she obtained a ph.d and a m.a. in advertising from the university of texas at austin, and a b.a. honours in marketing from university of stirling. danae’s recent research has been published in journals such as journal of service research, journal of business ethics, tourism management, annals of tourism research, psychology and marketing, european journal of marketing, technological forecasting and social change, journal of business research, european management review, and international business review, amongst others. using an interdisciplinary approach, danae’s research focuses on effective message construction for behaviour change within the contexts of health, well-being and the environment. she is involved in various consultancies (e.g., harrow council, royal borough of kensington and chelsea council, recoup, global action plan, texas comprehensive cancer control coalition), and her research has been supported by £450,000+ of funding (e.g., nerc, cruk, epsrc/innovate uk, red). danae is section editor for the journal of business ethics (section: marketing ethics) and an associate editor (ae) for business and society and the journal of current issues and research in advertising, while in the past she was ae for the journal of marketing management (2017-21). she is also currently on the editorial review boards of: technological forecasting & social change, and journal of marketing management; with guest editor experience across multiple top journals. danae also has experience as: funding reviewer for cancer research uk (2015-19); and track chair for top marketing conferences (ams wmc 2025 and 2023, tcr 2021). using an interdisciplinary approach, blending the lines between marketing, advertising and psychology her research aims to answer a fundamental marketing research question: how to diminish the knowledge-behaviour gap? particularly, her research focuses on effective message construction for behaviour change. it takes an information processing approach, which identifies, classifies and examines cognitive (e.g., knowledge, confidence, trust, values) and affective (e.g., pride, fear, disgust) factors that influence individuals’/consumers’/employees’ decisions and choices after exposure to campaigns/messages/interventions, and translate knowledge acquisition to behaviour change/formation. her research is theory-based but practically applicable research, and often uses health (e.g., weight control, alcohol consumption, vaccination), well-being and environmental (e.g. energy saving, recycling) social issues as the venue for understanding the knowledge-behaviour gap, with direct implications for persuasive communication and behavioural interventions that motivate health and environmental action. the campaigns/messages/interventions often examined involve digital components (e.g., websites, social media, mobile applications, online tracking tools) and technology adoption behaviours (e.g., adoption and usage of technology-based solutions). other projects with information technology and effective message construction focus include: social media service failure apologies, online petitions, and online political engagement. side projects include innovative research methodologies, female-disparaging adverts, and consumer animosity, amongst others. danae’s recent research has been published in journals such as journal of service research, journal of business ethics, tourism management, annals of tourism research, psychology and marketing, european journal of marketing, technological forecasting and social change, journal of business research, european management review, international business review, information technology and people, studies in higher education, journal of marketing management, computers in human behavior, international journal of advertising, journal of health communication, journal of marketing communications, health marketing quarterly, and multivariate behavioral research, amongst others. she often engages in research projects that require collaborations with other disciplines such as medicine, engineering and geography; and her research has been supported by£450,000+ of funding (e.g., nerc, cruk, epsrc/innovate uk, red, and arrow/erdf). she also strongly believes in the interplay and interdependence of academia, government, business and society and hence she is often involved in various consultancies (e.g., harrow council, royal borough of kensington and chelsea council, recoup, global action plan, texas comprehensive cancer control coalition), in line with her research (i.e., effective message construction for behaviour change). danae is section editor for the journal of business ethics (section: marketing ethics; ft50 journal), and associate editor (ae) for business and society and the journal of current issues and research in advertising, while in the past she was ae for the journal of marketing management (2017-21). she is also currently on the editorial review boards of: technological forecasting & social change, and journal of marketing management; with guest editor experience across multiple top journals. danae also has experience as: funding reviewer for cancer research uk (2015-19); and track chair for the academy of marketing science world marketing congress conference in 2023, the transformative consumer research conference in 2021, and the european social marketing association conference in 2016. knowledge-behaviour gap effective message construction for behaviour change information processing & persuasive communication health communication (employee) pro-environmental behaviour technology adoption for behaviour change consumer psychology social marketing advertising
![Professor Danae Manika]()
Professor Danae Manika
Danae Manika (PhD, University of Texas at Austin) is Executive Dean and Professor of Marketing at Brunel Business School. In the past, Danae served as Acting Executive Dean and Deputy Dean of the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences at Brunel University of London; and as Associate Head of Brunel Business School. Before joining Brunel, she was Professor of Marketing at Newcastle University Business School, where she led its London Campus as Academic Group Head and held the Deputy Director of Research role at Newcastle University Business School. Danae in the past has also held academic positions at Queen Mary University of London, Durham University and the University of Texas at Austin; and is currently Visiting Professor at Newcastle University and Queen Mary University of London. Prior to her academic career, Danae worked as an Account Planning Intern in advertising agencies such as Latinworks in Austin, TX, and DDB in New York. She obtained a Ph.D and a M.A. in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. Honours in Marketing from University of Stirling. Danae’s recent research has been published in journals such as Journal of Service Research, Journal of Business Ethics, Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, Psychology and Marketing, European Journal of Marketing, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Business Research, European Management Review, and International Business Review, amongst others. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Danae’s research focuses on effective message construction for behaviour change within the contexts of health, well-being and the environment. She is involved in various consultancies (e.g., Harrow Council, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, RECOUP, Global Action Plan, Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition), and her research has been supported by £450,000+ of funding (e.g., NERC, CRUK, EPSRC/Innovate UK, RED). Danae is Section Editor for the Journal of Business Ethics (section: Marketing Ethics) and an Associate Editor (AE) for Business and Society and the Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising, while in the past she was AE for the Journal of Marketing Management (2017-21). She is also currently on the Editorial Review Boards of: Technological Forecasting & Social Change, and Journal of Marketing Management; with guest editor experience across multiple top journals. Danae also has experience as: funding reviewer for Cancer Research UK (2015-19); and track chair for top marketing conferences (AMS WMC 2025 and 2023, TCR 2021). Using an interdisciplinary approach, blending the lines between marketing, advertising and psychology her research aims to answer a fundamental marketing research question: How to diminish the knowledge-behaviour gap? Particularly, her research focuses on effective message construction for behaviour change. It takes an information processing approach, which identifies, classifies and examines cognitive (e.g., knowledge, confidence, trust, values) and affective (e.g., pride, fear, disgust) factors that influence individuals’/consumers’/employees’ decisions and choices after exposure to campaigns/messages/interventions, and translate knowledge acquisition to behaviour change/formation. Her research is theory-based but practically applicable research, and often uses health (e.g., weight control, alcohol consumption, vaccination), well-being and environmental (e.g. energy saving, recycling) social issues as the venue for understanding the knowledge-behaviour gap, with direct implications for persuasive communication and behavioural interventions that motivate health and environmental action. The campaigns/messages/interventions often examined involve digital components (e.g., websites, social media, mobile applications, online tracking tools) and technology adoption behaviours (e.g., adoption and usage of technology-based solutions). Other projects with information technology and effective message construction focus include: social media service failure apologies, online petitions, and online political engagement. Side projects include innovative research methodologies, female-disparaging adverts, and consumer animosity, amongst others. Danae’s recent research has been published in journals such as Journal of Service Research, Journal of Business Ethics, Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, Psychology and Marketing, European Journal of Marketing, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Business Research, European Management Review, International Business Review, Information Technology and People, Studies in Higher Education, Journal of Marketing Management, Computers in Human Behavior, International Journal of Advertising, Journal of Health Communication, Journal of Marketing Communications, Health Marketing Quarterly, and Multivariate Behavioral Research, amongst others. She often engages in research projects that require collaborations with other disciplines such as medicine, engineering and geography; and her research has been supported by£450,000+ of funding (e.g., NERC, CRUK, EPSRC/Innovate UK, RED, and Arrow/ERDF). She also strongly believes in the interplay and interdependence of academia, government, business and society and hence she is often involved in various consultancies (e.g., Harrow Council, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, RECOUP, Global Action Plan, Texas Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition), in line with her research (i.e., effective message construction for behaviour change). Danae is Section Editor for the Journal of Business Ethics (section: Marketing Ethics; FT50 journal), and Associate Editor (AE) for Business and Society and the Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising, while in the past she was AE for the Journal of Marketing Management (2017-21). She is also currently on the Editorial Review Boards of: Technological Forecasting & Social Change, and Journal of Marketing Management; with guest editor experience across multiple top journals. Danae also has experience as: funding reviewer for Cancer Research UK (2015-19); and track chair for the Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress Conference in 2023, the Transformative Consumer Research Conference in 2021, and the European Social Marketing Association Conference in 2016. Knowledge-Behaviour Gap Effective Message Construction for Behaviour Change Information Processing & Persuasive Communication Health Communication (Employee) Pro-environmental Behaviour Technology Adoption for Behaviour Change Consumer Psychology Social Marketing Advertising