Dr Beatriz Mella Lira is an urban and transport planner specialising in sustainable mobility, urban competitiveness and transport governance. She holds a PhD in Urban and Transport Planning from University College London and is an Architect and MSc in Urban Development from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
She is Deputy Director of CATLEC – the Advanced Centre for Transport and Logistics for Livable and Competitive Cities, an ANID-funded National Centre of Excellence in Chile. At CATLEC, she serves as Principal Investigator of the research line Transport Systems for Livable and Competitive Cities, leading interdisciplinary teams working on sustainable transport systems, logistics efficiency, governance frameworks and the implementation of transport policies at national and subnational levels.
In parallel, she is Director of the Urban Research Centre for Habitat, Development and Decentralisation (CIUDHAD) and Director of the Master’s Programme in Housing and Integrated Neighbourhoods at Universidad Andrés Bello. Her academic work integrates applied research, postgraduate supervision and policy engagement, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based urban transformation in Global South contexts.
Dr Mella plays an active role in urban governance and municipal advisory in Chile, focusing on mobility transitions, public space and large-scale urban projects. She is also a recognised public commentator on transport and urban policy, contributing regularly to national media and public debates. Her work bridges academic research, policy design and strategic communication in support of more equitable, efficient and resilient cities.
