Dr Miguel Frohlich
Researcher biography
Dr. Miguel Frohlich believes that research has a greater chance of being impactful when conducted in collaboration with stakeholders and end-users, such as governments, industry, not-for-profit organisations and affected communities. Common methods adopted in his collaborative research initiatives include critical policy analysis, surveys, interviews and focus groups. Miguel is interested in exploring knowledge gaps that currently 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 Sustainable Development Goals (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).
In the past three years, Miguel has been focused on investigating ways to facilitate the development of a sustainable blue economy, with an emphasis on energy transition and decarbonisation strategies that can accelerate the deployment of ocean renewable energy, such as offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.
Alongside Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman, Miguel acts as a bridge between CPF and the Blue Economy CRC. He co-led the research project "Mapping and Analysis of Blue Economy Policy and Legislative Arrangements" and is currently co-leading a work package in the research project "Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia". His work package focuses on identifying best practices in offshore wind policy and regulation, in topics like marine spatial planning, leasing and environmental permitting. Participants in this research project include other universities, such as University of Tasmania (the leading organisation) and Griffith University, and major offshore wind developers, such as Star of the South, Nexsphere, Flotation Energy and Copenhagen Energy. In total, these two research projects amount to over $700,000 in funding provided by the Blue Economy CRC to CPF.
Prior to entering academia, Miguel worked in multidisciplinary teams at private companies responsible for developing large-scale infrastructure and energy projects and top-tier law firms. He served as an environmental manager at Prumo Logistica S.A., the company responsible for the development of the Port of Açu, which is the largest deep-water and private industrial port complex in Latin America.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Policy Studies | Coastal Management), University of the Sunshine Coast
- Master of Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
- Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
- Bachelor of Laws, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
Professional Memberships
Affiliations
- Deputy Director – Asia-Pacific Region (Global Network for Human Rights and the Environment)
- Representative – Early and Mid-Career Researchers Committee (UQ Centre for Marine Science)
Scholarships & Awards
- 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.)
Languages
- English
- Portuguese
HDR Supervision
If you have a good research idea aligned with Miguel's interests and would like to pursue an MPhil or PhD at UQ, do not hesitate to contact him via email. He is open to supervising HDR students. Before contacting him, please read the information on how to apply and available scholarships here.
Connect with Miguel