Tiago de Melo Cartaxo

Tiago de Melo Cartaxo is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Law at the University of Exeter’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall Campus. He founded the Exeter Centre for Environmental Law (ExCEL) and is part of Law and Business Cornwall (LAB/C). Current roles include Associate Director for External Engagement at the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) and former Director of Postgraduate Research for Humanities and Social Sciences. His research focuses on environmental rights, climate resilience justice, circular economy, energy transition, and international environmental law. He holds a European PhD in Law from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, with postdoctoral work at the University of Surrey. Tiago has advised governments and international bodies, including the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council, and chairs the World Public Sector Integrity Initiative (WPIEI).

Education

• European PhD in Law, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (2015–2020)
• LLM in Environmental Law and Planning, University of Coimbra (2012–2014)
• Licenciatura in Law, University of Lisbon (2000–2005)

Research Interests
He explores legal frameworks supporting sustainability transitions, including governance of single-use plastics, nature markets, and climate adaptation. His work bridges environmental law with social equity, focusing on resilience justice, circular economy policies, and EU environmental law. He emphasizes transdisciplinary approaches to address socio-ecological challenges in urban contexts.

Notable Contributions

• Coordinated ESI-funded projects on regulatory frameworks for nature markets
• Developed academic partnerships with the Portuguese Environment Agency
• Chaired WPIEI during Portugal’s EU Presidency
• Advised on post-2011 Portuguese economic reforms

Awards & Affiliations

• Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
• FCT Fellowships (Portugal)
• Senior Fellow of AdvanceHE
• Member of ILA Committees on Sustainable Development, SDGs, and ICC Environment Commission

Advising & Grants
Tiago welcomes PhD/Masters supervision in Environmental & Climate Law. His grants include ESI funding and collaborations with international institutions. He leads the NOVA Law Green Lab and has advised Portuguese and EU policymakers on environmental compliance and energy transitions.

Labs & Networks
Founder of ExCEL and NOVA Law Green Lab; collaborates with Exeter Biodiversity & People Network, Exeter Food Policy, and Environmental Intelligence initiatives.