Jelena Barbir

Dr. Jelena Barbir serves as Director of the Environmental Management and Circular Economy division within the Research and Transfer Center for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany. With over 10 years of research experience, she coordinates multiple EU projects including BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE (H2020), Baltiplast (Interreg), and CheMatSustain (Horizon Europe). She directs the Bio4Circularity Network, fostering stakeholder collaboration across bio-based value chains.

Barbir holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Novi Sad, dual MSc degrees in Environmental Studies (JEMES program) and Agro-Environmental Technology, and a doctorate in Agro-environmental Technology from Polytechnical University of Madrid completed with 'Cum Laude' distinction. Her academic background spans environmental sciences, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy principles.

Her research focuses on:

• Environmental sustainability and circular economy innovations
• Bio-based material development and biodegradation
• Sustainable agro-ecosystem management
• Plastic waste mitigation strategies
• Planetary health interconnections

Recent publications emphasize plastic pollution management, sustainable material innovation, climate-health interactions, and educational leadership in sustainability. Her work consistently addresses waste management systems, consumer behavior, and policy frameworks across European contexts.

Barbir leads significant EU-funded research initiatives and coordinates international teams. She has authored over 40 scientific papers in high-impact journals and co-edited books on climate change and biodiversity. Current projects include BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE, Baltiplast, CheMatSustain, BioRADAR, and INSOIL (CBE-JU), demonstrating her leadership in sustainable materials research.