Julia Martin-Ortega

Professor Julia Martin-Ortega is a Professor of Ecological Economics at the University of Leeds, affiliated with the School of Earth and Environment. She serves as Associate Director of water@leeds, a leading interdisciplinary water research hub, and is a member of NERC’s Peer Review College and the Leeds Social Sciences Institute Steering Group. Her research focuses on ecological economics, valuation of ecosystem services, sustainable land/water management, and policy impact. Notable contributions include influencing the UK Climate Change Committee Land Use Report, Scotland’s Peatland Action, and the Yorkshire Integrated Catchment Solutions Programme (iCASP). Her work bridges natural and social sciences, emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders.

Her expertise includes phosphorus circularity (leading the Rephokus project), peatland restoration economics, and behavioral insights for sustainable practices. Recent projects include the EU-funded ReCAP and WATERLADS initiatives, targeting phosphorus management and carbon storage. She has secured over £560k for Northern Ireland’s Soil Health Scheme behavioral research and contributed to policy frameworks like the UK Phosphorus Transformation Strategy.

Professor Martin-Ortega’s research emphasizes societal impact, with projects yielding £200M+ influence on regional business cases. She employs innovative methods like forum theatre and performance-based governance to engage communities. Her academic leadership includes roles in the Scottish Government’s Centre of Expertise in Waters and Natural England’s Social Sciences Expert Panel.