Dr Miguel Frohlich

Dr Miguel Frohlich focuses on collaborative research with governments, industry, not-for-profit organisations and local communities. His work employs methods such as critical policy analysis, surveys, interviews and focus groups. Miguel is interested in addressing knowledge gaps that hinder sustainable development, particularly in the fields of ocean and coastal governance, environmental planning and management, environmental law and policy, and corporate sustainability. His research interests align with nearly all SDGs of the United Nations, especially the following: SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); SDG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure);  SDG13 (Climate Action); and SDG14 (Life below Water).

Miguel is a Senior Environment & Planning Specialist at the Port Authority of NSW, where he is responsible for preparing and managing environmental assessments, overseeing environmental monitoring activities (including noise and air quality), and developing sustainability initiatives, including strategies for the decarbonisation of Port Authority of NSW operations. Previously, he worked as an environmental manager at Prumo Logistica S.A., the company responsible for the development of the Port of Açu, the largest deep-water and private industrial port complex in Latin America.

Before joining Port Authority of NSW, Miguel was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UQ Centre for Policy Futures, where he conducted research on the blue economy, with a particular focus on decabornisation via the deployment of ocean renewable energy, such as offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. Alongside Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman, Miguel co-led the research project "Mapping and Analysis of Blue Economy Policy and Legislative Arrangements" funded by the Blue Economy CRC. He was also involved in the research project "Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia".

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy (Policy Studies | Coastal Management), University of the Sunshine Coast
• Master of Planning, Macquarie University
• Master of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
• Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
• Bachelor of Law, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

Scholarships & Awards

• EMCR Industry Engagement Awards (The University of Queensland)
• Ocean Impact Ideation Program – Full Scholarship (Ocean Impact Organisation)
• Bergen Summer Research School – Full Scholarship (University of Bergen)
• Research Training Program Scholarship (Australian Government)
• Higher Degree Research Excellence (University of the Sunshine Coast)
• Health, Safety & Environment Certificate of Recognition of Pioneering Contribution to the Açu Shipbuilding Unit Project (OSX Brasil S.A.)