Maria Heras

Heras, M., González-Hidalgo, M., Piñeiro, C. (IN PRESS) Co-creating spaces to deal with emotions in environmental struggles: how therapy, arts and facilitation are transforming the performance of environmental and socially engaged research and action. In: Jaime Paneque-Gálvez, Carlos A. Ruggerio, Beatriz Rodríguez-Labajos (Editors) Transformative knowledge co-production and social learning in struggles for environmental justice.

Gallois, S., Heras, M*., Sella, C., Satorras, M., Ribera-Fumaz, R., Ruiz-Mallén, I. (2024) Learning to collaborate within transdisciplinarity: Internal barriers and strengths of an art-science encounter. Sustainability Science.

Heras, M., March, H. (2023). Narratives interseccionals en la lluita climàtica: Explorant els vincles entre Justícia Climàtica i Justícia Sexual i Reproductiva. PAPERS Regió Metropolitana de Barcelona (65): Emergència climàtica i desigualtats en el context urbà. Institut d’Estudis Regionals i Metropolitans de Barcelona. Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Ajuntament de Barcelona – Bellaterra.

Harmáčková, Z, V.*, Yoshida, Y, Sitas, N, Mannetti, L, Martin, A, Kumar, R, Berbés-Blázquez, M, Collins, R, Eisenack, K, Guimaraes, E, Heras, M., Nelson, V, Niamir, A, Ravera, F, Ruiz Mallen, I.and O’Farrell, P. (2023). The role of values in future scenarios: what types of values underpin (un)sustainable and (un)just futures? Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 64.

López-Rodríguez, M. D*., E. Oteros-Rozas, I. Ruiz-Mallén, H. March, A. I. Horcea-Milcu, M. Heras, M. A. Cebrián-Piqueras, R. Andrade, V. B. P. G. Lo, and C. Piñeiro (2023). Visualizing stakeholders’ willingness for collective action in participatory scenario planning. Ecology and Society 28(2):5. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-14101-280205

Heras, M. (2022). Art and Connectedness within Sustainability: Educating Through Aesthetic Pedagogies. In: Vare, P., Lausselet, N., Rieckmann, M. (eds) Competences in Education for
Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Springer, Cham.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91055-6_18

Ruiz-Mallén, I., Heras, M., Ribera-Fumaz, R., March, H., Corres, A. (2022). The Highs and Lows of Working ESD Competences into HEI Frameworks. In: Vare, P., Lausselet, N., Rieckmann, M. (eds) Competences in Education for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-91055-6_10

Heras, M., Galafassi, D., Oteros-Rozas, E., Ravera, F., Berraquero-Díaz, L., & Ruiz-Mallén, I. (2021). Realising potentials for arts-based sustainability science. Sustainability Science, 16(6), 1875-1889.

Heras, M., Ruiz-Mallén, I., & Gallois, S. (2020). Staging science with young people: bringing science closer to students through stand-up comedy. International Journal of Science Education,42(12), 1968-1987.

Ruiz-Mallén, I. & Heras, M. (2020). What sustainability? Higher education institutions’ pathways to reach the Agenda 2030 goals. Sustainability,12(4), 1290.

Ruiz-Mallen, I. & Heras, M. (2020). RE: Re-discovering STEM education through arts. Letters to Science Magazine, Science.

Ruiz-Mallén, I., Heras, M.; Berrens, K. (2020). Responsible research and innovation in science education: insights from evaluating the impact of using digital media and arts-based methods on RRI values. Research in Science & Technological Education, 1-22.

Heras, M., & Mingorría, S. (2019). Arte, activismo, educación e investigación. Ecología Política, (57), 43-48.

Heras, M. (2019) Embodying sustainability: insights and reflections from empirical experience. In Christian Alonso (ed.) (2019) Mutating Ecologies in Contemporary Art (pp. 149-159), UB Edicions, Barcelona.

Heras, M.; Ruiz-Mallén, I. (2018). ‘What Do I Like about Science-Related Activities?’: Participatory Indicators Addressing Students’ Motivations and Needs When Learning Science. In Stability and Change in Science Education–Meeting Basic Learning Needs (pp. 201-228). Brill Sense.

Galafassi, D., Tàbara, J. D.; Heras, M. (2018). Restoring our senses, restoring the Earth. Fostering imaginative capacities through the arts for envisioning climate transformations. Elementa Science Anthropology, 6(1).

Ruiz-Mallén, I., Gallois, S.; Heras, M. (2018). From white lab coats and crazy hair to actual scientists: Exploring the impact of researcher interaction and performing arts on students’ perceptions and motivation for science. Science Communication, 40(6), 749-777.

Galafassi, D., Kagan, S., Milkoreit, M., Heras, M., Bilodeau, C., Bourke, S. J., … ; Tàbara, J. D. (2018). ‘Raising the temperature’: the arts in a warming planet. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 31, 71-79.

Heras, M., & Ruiz-Mallén, I. (2017). Responsible research and innovation indicators for science education assessment: how to measure the impact?. International Journal of Science
Education,39(18), 2482-2507.

Heras, M., Tabara, J. D., Meza, A. (2016). Reconciling Art and Science for Sustainability – Performing Biospheric Futures with Younger Generations: A Case in the MAB Reserve of La Sepultura, Mexico. Ecology and Society 21 (2). June 2016

Ruiz-Mallén, I., Riboli-Sasco, L., Heras., M., Ribrault, C., Perie, L., (2016). Citizen Science: Toward Transformative Learning. Science Communication 38 (4). DOI: 10.5751/ES-08317-210214.

Heras, M.; Tàbara, J. D. (2015). Conservation Theatre: Mirroring Experiences and Performing Stories in Community Management of Natural Resources. Society and Natural Resources. DOI: 10.1080/08941920.2015.1095375

Heras, M., & Tàbara, J. D. (2014) Let’s play transformations! Performative methods for sustainability. Sustainability Science, 1-20. DOI: 10.1007/s11625-014-0245-9

Binimelis, R., Rivera-Ferre, M. G., Tendero, G., Badal, M., Heras, M., Gamboa, G., & Ortega, M. (2014). Adapting established instruments to build useful food sovereignty indicators. Development Studies Research. An Open Access Journal, 1(1), 324-339.

Heras, M., Piñeiro, C. & Porro, A. (2013) “Mirar al futuro para transformar el presente: propuestas de acción hacia el cambio socioecológico”, en Revista Papeles de relaciones ecosociales y cambio global, número 121, primavera 2013. Ed. FUHEM Ecosocial e Icaria, Madrid.

Binimelis, R., Tendero, G., Badal, M., Heras, M., Gamboa, G., Ortega Cerdà, M., Rivera Ferré, M., “La necesidad de indicadores para construir la Soberanía Alimentaria”, en Cuellar Padilla, M., Calle Collado, A. & Gallar Hernández, D. (eds.) (2013) “Procesos Hacia La Soberanía Alimentaria: Perspectiva y Prácticas Desde la Agroecología Política”. Icaria Editorial – Antrazyt. Barcelona.

Heras, M. & Peirón, M. (2011) “¿Cambiar de coche por criterios ecológicos?”. Revista Opcions, número 35. Otoño-Invierno 2011, Barcelona.

December 2025-December 2026. AIGÜES: Arte, Inclusividad y Gobernanza del agUa: Escenarios Sensibles. Financing entity/Call: Programa d’Ajuts Acceleradors de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 2025.

April 2024–December 2025. European Performing Science Program. Financing entity/Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2023-CITIZENS-01.

July-December 2022 Amplificant la interconnexió entre la Justícia Climàtica i la Justicia Sexual i Reproductiva (ACC145/21/000020). Financing entity/Call: Agencia Catalana de Cooperación al Desarrollo.

May 2021–December 2021 European Performing Science Night (GAP 101036143—EPSN 2021). Financing entity/Call: EC, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions: European Researchers Night (H2020-MSCA-NIGHT-2020bis).

March–November 2021. Project Name/Reference: Improving biodiversity and human well-being through inclusive conservation (ENVISION) Financing entity/Call: EU BiodivScen ERA-Net COFUND programme, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. Participation: research support tasks in the Spanish case study: contribution to participatory scenario design and analysis.

January 2023–March 2024. FEMART: Género, conflictos socio-territoriales y cambio climático: una exploración desde el arte y la perspectiva ecofeminista. Financing entity/Call: Instituto de las Mujeres, Ministerio de Igualdad, Subvenciones destinadas a la realización Investigaciones Feministas, de Género y sobre Mujeres.

April 2020–December 2023. Humanidades Ecológicas y Transiciones Ecosociales. Propuestas éticas, estéticas y pedagógicas para el Antropoceno – HUECOTRANS (PID2019-107757RB-I00). Financing entity/Call: Ministerio de Ciencia y Universidades, Agencia Estatal de Investigación; Convocatoria 2019 “Proyectos de I+D+i”.

January–December 2021. Terra-Teca-Traca: Art, Ruralitat i Agroecologia. Financing entity/Call: Ajuntament de Barcelona, Departament d’Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural (Generalitat de Catalunya).

January 2019–December 2021. A Rounder Sense of Purpose II (RSPII) (2018-1-UK01-KA203-04812) Financing entity/Call: Erasmus+ UK National Agency. Erasmus+ 2018 Key Action 203 Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education.

January 2019 – July 2021. STEM Education and Practices are Not Only about the cONtent (SPOON) (ref. 2018 – 1-FR01-KA201-048202). Financing entity/Call: Erasmus+ French National Agency,Erasmus+ 2018 Key Action 203 Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education.

September 2017–February 2019. Expresiones multiculturales del Movimiento de Justicia Ambiental: Programa piloto en las prácticas de la asignatura Mínor “Usos humans del planeta terra” en la UAB. Financing entity/Call: Fons de Solidaritat UAB, Convocatòria d’ajuts de cooperació internacional (Convocatòria FSXXXV).

November 2015–November 2018: Participatory Engagement with Scientific and Technological Research through Performance (PERFORM, GA665826). Financing entity/Call: EU H2020 Research and Innovation Programme, SWAFS.

December 2014–September 2015. IMPRESSIONS. Impacts and risks from high-end scenarios: strategies for innovative solutions (GA No 603416). Financing entity/Call: EU 7th Programme for research, technological development and demonstration.

January 2014 – July 2014. Taller de Relatro: Diálogo y Arte Comunitario en Cherán (Michoacán, México). Financing entity/Call: Fundación Autónoma Solidaria (FAS UAB). Convocatòria d’ajuts de cooperació internacional E2013-2014, Convocatòria del Fons de Solidaritat de la UAB.

a) Theater plays

2023-2026 Un Assumpte Elemental. Cia. Nomeolvides. Dramaturgy: Heras, M. & Camargo, L. Based on results from the research project FEMART: Género, conflictos socio-territoriales y cambio climático: una exploración desde el arte y la perspectiva ecofeminista. Premiered at Cincomonos (April 2024, Barcelona). https://vimeo.com/1120101928

2022 Climate Fighters. Cia. Arde Teatro, collective dramaturgy. Direction: Angela Palacios. Based on case studies from the EJATLAS platform. Premiered at Sala Badabadoc (March 2022, Barcelona).

2020-2022 Beyond Numbers. Cia. Kainos Teatre; dramaturgy: Heras, M. & Vijayakumar, A. Direction: Angela Palacios. Live music composed and performed by Arnim Scheidel. Based on embodied research about care and aging during COVID19. Awarded with the Premio SOS Cultura 2020 (Fundació Carulla). Premiered at Lleialtat Santsenca (November 2022, Barcelona). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a4qLRLmMWE&t=1s

2015 The Bond You Hold. Dramaturgy: Maria Magdalona Beky Winnerstram (Långsjö Teater); direction: Diego Galafassi and Maria Heras. Music composed by Katherine Young. Multi-sensorial physical theatre performance, based on collaborations with an international group of climate and social scientists within EU-funded project IMPRESSIONS. https://vimeo.com/142046379

b) Scientific Reports

Sella, C., Heras. M. (authors) and Ruiz-Mallen, I., Ribera R. (contributors; 2025). European Performing Science Programme Impact Report Working Package 4: Impact Assessment. EPSP Project. December 2025. Universitat Oberta de Catalunya – Barcelona.

Heras, M., March, H. (2023). Amplificant la interconnexió entre la Justícia Climàtica i la Justícia Sexual i Reproductiva. Informe de resultats de la recerca. L’Associació de Drets Sexuals i Reproductius – Barcelona. Available at: https://lassociacio.org/wp-content/uploads/Amplificant-la-interconnexio.pdf

Kumar, R., Martin, A., O’Farrell, P., Eser, U., Faith, D. P., Gomez-Baggethun, E., Harmackova, Z. V., Horcea-Milcu, A.-I., Merçon, J., Ochieng, T. N., Quaas, M., Rode, J., Rozzi, R., Sitas, N., Yoshida,
Y., Koessler, A.-K., Lutti, N., Mannetti, L., Austrheim, G., Berbes, M., Cantele, M., Cariño, J., Colleony, A., Collins, R., Chadwick, P., Eisenack, K., Guimaraes, E., Hensler, L., Heras, M., Klaver, I., Krug, R., Lavorel, S., Meya, J., Santos Martin, F., Martínez, F. X., Marselle, M., Moreno, T.,
Nelson, V., Niamir, A., Proenca, V., Ravera, F., Ruiz Mallen, I., Nthenge, A., Almered Olsson, G., Selomane, O., Tauro, A., Turbé, A., Zafra Calvo, N., Zinngrebe, Y., Pereira, L., Okereke, C., Arroyo, G. (2022). Chapter 5. The role of diverse values of nature in visioning and transforming towards just and sustainable futures. In: IPBES methodological assessment regarding the diverse conceptualization of multiple values of nature and its benefits, including biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. IPBES Secretariat.
Available at: https://www.ipbes.net/document-library-catalogue/values-assessment-chapter-5-role-diverse-values-nature-visioning-and

Gallois S., Heras. M., Satorras, M., Ribera R. (2021). European Performing Science Night Impact Report. Deliverable 3.1. EPSN Project. December 2021. Universitat Oberta de Catalunya – Barcelona.

Heras, M., Ruiz-Mallén, I., Berrens, K., Lemkow, L. (2016). Research report: Methodological aspects of science education assessment. Deliverable 4.1, PERFORM project. UAB – Barcelona.

Heras, M. & Peirón, M. (eds.) (2012) “España Cambio Global 2020-2050: Consumo y Estilos de Vida Sostenibles”. Centro de Investigación e Información en Consumo (CRIC) y Centro
Complutense de Estudios e Información Ambiental (CCEIM). Asturias, abril 2012.

Binimelis, R.; Gamboa, G.; Heras, M. Tendero, G. (2011) “Arràn de terra: indicadors participatius de sobirania alimentària. Resum de l’informe”. Asociación Entrepobles, Instituto de Economía Ecológica y Ecología Política (IEEEP).

Heras, M (2010) “Cuando el olmo pide peras. El insostenible consumo energético del sistema agroalimentario”. Esferes Estudis, vol. 9. Federación Catalana de Ingeniería Sin Fronteras. Primera edición. Barcelona. Available at:
http://admin.isf.es/UserFiles/File/catalunya/publicaciones/castellano/esferes9_%20web_new.pdf

c) Media:

Visual summary of the European Performing Science Night co-creation workshop and performance (2021): https://youtu.be/OodzzwfdYbU?si=ICPChTq8CtRTtFQ3

Interview for the section Asombrario & Co. at Público journal (by Rosa M. Tristán): https://elasombrario.publico.es/maria-heras-recuperar-vivir-lento-bloquearnos/

d) Policy Briefings

Heras, M; Ruiz-Mallén, I; Jenatton, M.; Peretti, J. (2018). Policy implications of PERFORM, an EU research project exploring the impacts of arts-based science education approaches in secondary school students. PERFORM project Policy brief #3. UAB – Barcelona.

a) PhD Thesis

Sella, C. (2025-present). Practicing water ontologies in relation: performative encounters with the Llobregat River and its inhabitants (provisional title). Doctoral programme Society, Technology, Culture. Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). Supervisors: María Heras, Ricard Espelt, Anna Berti Suman.

b) Master’s thesis

Salehi, G. (2026). Simulation games for environmental education on deforestation: the case of Iran (provisional title). Master’s Degree in Political Ecology, Degrowth, and Environmental Justice. ICTA-UAB.
Supervisors: María Heras & Filka Sekulova

Torello., G. (2023) Transformative potential of emotions in socio-environmental processes.
Master’s Degree in Political Ecology, Degrowth and Environmental Justice. ICTA-UAB.
Supervisors: María Heras & C. Sella

Meyer, S. (2023). Participatory street performance in Poblenou (I). Master’s Degree in Political
Ecology, Degrowth and Environmental Justice. ICTA-UAB. Supervisor: María Heras

Del Río, A. (2023). Participatory street performance in Poblenou (II). Master’s Degree in Political
Ecology, Degrowth and Environmental Justice. ICTA-UAB. Supervisor: María Heras

Sella C. (2022) Smell it Again: An artistic research on the ethics of waste. Master’s Degree in
Political Ecology, Degrowth and Environmental Justice. ICTA-UAB. Supervisor: María Heras

Didou, F. (2019). Encouraging dialogue through graphic recording in a context of global change.
Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental, Economic and Social
Sustainability (Global Change Major). ICTA-UAB. Supervisors: María Heras & Roser Maneja.

Fernández Yurcho, G.G (2019). El teatro como herramienta de comunicación efectiva en un
contexto multicultural e interdisciplinario. UAB. Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in
Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability (Global Change Major), ICTA-UAB.
Supervisors: María Heras & Roser Maneja.

a) Formal education

March 2025–Present: Consumo Energético y Sostenibilidad. Máster Filosofia per als Reptes Contemporanis (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC)

September 2025–Present: Cambio Climático y Antropoceno. Máster Filosofia per als Reptes Contemporanis (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC)

April 2025–April 2026: Practice of Sustainability: Creative Practices for Socioecological Transformations. Master’s Degree in Political Ecology, Degrowth, and Environmental Justice (7th- 8th Edition of the Masters), ICTA-UAB.

December 2019–October 2023: Arts Expressions in Environmental Justice. Within the module: Environmental Justice. Master’s Degree in Political Ecology, Degrowth, and Environmental Justice (2nd to 6th Edition of the Masters), ICTA-UAB.

March 2023–May 2024: Arts-based research methods. Within the module: Research Methods. Master’s Degree in Political Ecology, Degrowth, and Environmental Justice (5th & 6th Edition of the Masters), ICTA-UAB.

June-July 2019 Seminar: Participatory arts as spaces of collective exploration within social
transformations. Degrowth and Environmental Justice International Summer School 2019. ICTA-UAB.

June 2018 Seminar: How can the arts support spaces of collective action within the Degrowth
movement? Degrowth and Environmental Justice International Summer School 2018. ICTA-UAB.

January–May 2018 Educational Pilot Project: Expresiones culturales del movimiento de Justicia
Ambiental, within the Asignatura Usos Humanos del Sistema Tierra, Grado de Ciencias Ambientales
(Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) (role: coordinator, teacher & evaluator)

October 2017 Seminar ‘Responsible Research and Innovation: introduction to theory and practice’. UAB
Doctorate School

December 2016 Seminar ‘Responsible Research and Innovation: how to maximise the local impact of my
research?’ UAB Doctorate School

December 2015 Seminar ‘Performative Methods for Sustainability’. ACT 2: Science, Sustainability & Art.
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

b) Non-formal education

March – July 2017 Design and implementation of a pedagogical programme for the Campus Itaca 2017
(Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), an educational programme to foster university vocations among
secondary school students. UAB, Barcelona

Sept.-October 2014 Design and facilitation of the arts-based educational workshop series “Playing our
Common Futures”, applying community-theatre and addressed to young students from La Sepultura
Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas. México

November 2013 – February 2014 Design and facilitation of the arts-based education and action research
workshop “Relatro! Community dialogue and the Arts”, addressed to young people from the indigenous
community of Cherán. México

15th – 16th July 2013 Design and facilitation of a community-theatre workshop for the 3rd International
Meeting on Agroecology, held by the European network “Beyond Our Backyards”. Barcelona

4th February 2013 Design and facilitation of the workshop “Creating theatre, creating dialogue”,
addressed to senior and junior researchers of ICTA. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona

January – June 2012 Design and facilitator of the workshop “Lo tuyo es puro teatro”. Theatrical
Experimentation Workshop with PhD students at ICTA. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

October 2009 – July 2010 Design and implementation of an educational workshop series called “Women
and Environment”, coordinated by the Catalan Women Institute (Institut Català de les Dones) and
implemented by the Ecological Economics and Political Ecology Institute (IEEEP)

c) Teaching materials

Pedagogical Guides Expresiones culturales del movimiento de Justicia Ambiental. Plan Piloto Educativo en la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Fundació Autònoma Solidària. 2019. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330902122_EXPRESIONES_TRANSCULTURALES_DEL_MOVIMIENTO_DE_JUSTICIA_AMBIENTAL_Plan_piloto_educativo_en_la_Universitat_Autonoma_de_Barcelona_Un_puente_entre_la_educacion_la_investigacion_el_arte_y_el_activismo#fullTextFileContent

Dissemination videos Expresiones culturales del movimiento de Justicia Ambiental. Plan Piloto Educativo en la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Fundació Autònoma Solidària. 2019.
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuQxfHRUXoQ
Long video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIF3lcH0n70&t=88s

Responsible Research and Innovation for Researchers. Introduction Module. Escola de Doctorat, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). 2018.
https://openaccess.uoc.edu/bitstream/10609/76886/1/Responsible%20Research%20&%20Innovation%20(RRI)%20for%20researchers.%20An%20introduction.pdf

Co-author of Module I at the First Edition of the “Training Course on Food Sovereignty” in the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). 2009.

Research aggregate accreditation (Agregat) by the Agency for the Quality of the Catalan University System (AQU).

Member of the experts evaluation panel of the Spanish Research Agency (Agencia Estatal de Investigación). 2024 – Present

Member of the Spanish Association of Environmental Education (AEEA). 2006-Present

Member of the Col·legi d’Ambientòlegs de Catalunya (COAC). 2023 – Present

Member of the jury Premis Ciutat de Barcelona 2020, Línia Arts i Divulgació Científica (Institut de Cultura de Barcelona-ICUB, Ajuntament de Barcelona, 2021) ajuntament.barcelona.cat/premisciutatbcn