Dr Macarena Beltran

Dr. Macarena Beltran is a Lecturer in Responsible Business at Northumbria University and an active researcher in sustainable consumption and production within the context of low carbon and circular economy transitions. She has built a track record in securing competitive research funding, contributing as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator to projects funded by organisations such as the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the British Academy, the British Council, UKRI, and international funding bodies. Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations addressing global sustainability challenges, including plastic pollution, renewable energy transitions, and behavioural interventions for sustainable systems.

Dr. Beltran has a strong research interest in sustainability and environmental transitions, with a particular focus on circular economy practices, sustainable supply chains, and the socio-technical dimensions of environmental change. Over recent years, her research has explored how behavioural insights, social innovation, and systems thinking can accelerate transitions towards more sustainable production and consumption systems. Her work often integrates innovative methodologies such as social innovation labs, agent-based modelling, and participatory approaches to address complex sustainability challenges across multiple sectors.

She holds a PhD from Newcastle University, where her research examined rebound effects from retrofit insulation on space heating consumption, contributing to the understanding of energy efficiency and behavioural responses. With an interdisciplinary background in engineering, business, and environmental research, she combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including advanced data analysis, modelling techniques, and stakeholder engagement processes.

In addition to her research activities, Dr. Beltran is actively involved in research-led teaching and capacity building. She delivers modules on Responsible Business and Circular Economy, facilitates workshops on sustainable transitions, and supervises undergraduates, postgraduate and doctoral research. She has contributed to the development of innovative teaching approaches, including game-based learning and experiential workshops designed to support real-world problem solving.

Dr. Beltran has published in high-impact academic journals, including  publications in ABS 3★ ranked outlets such as Business Strategy and the Environment, International Review of Administrative Sciences, and Computers in Industry, as well as in international conference proceedings.