Dr Cecilia Gonzales is an international sustainability professional and interdisciplinary researcher based in Barcelona, currently working at Cetaqua, a global innovation hub dedicated to advancing technologies and solutions for a sustainable, safe and accessible water cycle that responds to local needs and benefits communities. Her work focuses on the development of payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes, with a particular emphasis on governance, in Barcelona and Melbourne.

With a PhD in Energy Systems Planning and over five years of experience leading European and international research initiatives, Cecilia’s work sits at the intersection of sustainability, technological innovation, environmental governance, and social impact. Her interdisciplinary academic background spans mechanical and agronomic engineering, as well as social and political science, enabling her to approach the water-energy nexus and environmental policy from a holistic, systems-oriented perspective. She applies both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, complemented by participatory research strategies and policy-relevant reporting aligned with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Her work has been recognised internationally, including the Best Project Award in the Communication and Policy for the Biobased Economy course delivered by TU Delft, the Be-Basic Foundation, and UNICAMP. She was later honoured with a Culture Award from the University of Cambridge, as well as the Best Impact in Academia and Community prize awarded by UKERC and Heuristic Games at the Maxwell Centre in Cambridge. She has also contributed to global energy research initiatives, serving as National Task Leader in Sweden for the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 44 on Bioenergy and System Integration, and has professional experience as a consultant and project manager in Stockholm and London.

Having lived and worked in Vienna, Stockholm, Tokyo, Paris, São Paulo and London, Cecilia brings a global and culturally attuned perspective to complex sustainability challenges. Her expertise focuses on the socio-economic dimensions of sustainability, particularly in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of ecosystem services into natural resource management.

Driven by a commitment to strengthening dialogue between academia, industry and government, Cecilia combines diplomacy, business acumen, and cross-sector collaboration to advance just and sustainable transitions. Outside of her professional work, she is a disciplined sportsperson who enjoys tennis, boxing, martial arts, and running.