Overview
Background
Pedro Fidelman is an Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at the Centre for Policy Futures, The University of Queensland, where he leads the Social and Environmental Sustainability research theme.
His research examines how governance systems address emerging sustainability challenges. He studies the institutions, policies, regulations and decision-making processes that shape responses to changing environmental, societal and technological conditions.
His work spans diverse sustainability contexts, including water and catchment governance, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, marine and coastal governance, sustainable agriculture, the blue economy and emerging sustainability technologies. A major focus of his current research is the governance, policy and regulatory implications of emerging sustainability technologies, including reef restoration and adaptation, offshore renewable energy and RNA-based biotechnologies.
Alongside his empirical research, Pedro develops innovative approaches for analysing governance systems, including governance analytics, comparative governance and AI-assisted qualitative analysis.
His research has informed national and international policy initiatives and has been cited in policy documents produced by governments and international organisations across multiple countries. He has served as Coordinating Lead Author (Oceans and Coasts) for the United Nations Global Environment Outlook 7.
Availability
- Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Wollongong
Research interests
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Environmental policy and governance
Understanding how governance systems address emerging sustainability challenges through policy, institutions and governance.
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Governance of emerging sustainability technologies
Governance, policy and regulatory implications of emerging technologies for environmental and sustainability outcomes.
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Environmental policy and governance
Including, but not limited to, marine and coastal social-ecological systems, natural resource management, climate change and water management.
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Governance innovation
Governance innovation, institutional adaptation and regulatory innovation under conditions of environmental, societal and technological change.
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Comparative governance
Comparative governance across sustainability challenges, jurisdictions and governance levels.
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Innovative analytical methods
Governance analytics, institutional analysis, comparative methods and AI-assisted qualitative analysis.
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Marine and coastal governance
Governance of marine and coastal social-ecological systems, biodiversity conservation, restoration and the blue economy.
Research impacts
Pedro's research has contributed to environmental policy and governance nationally and internationally through leadership roles in major environmental assessments, policy advisory initiatives and collaborative research programs. His research has informed national strategies and international initiatives addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation and emerging sustainability technologies. It has been referenced in 93 policy reports produced by 32 policy bodies across 15 countries, demonstrating its contribution to environmental decision-making and international science–policy processes.
Works
Search Professor Pedro Fidelman’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Journal Article
Social sciences for meeting Australia’s ocean goals
Sbrocchi, Carla, Ogier, Emily, Fidelman, Pedro, Barclay, Kate, Diedrich, Amy, Dyer, Michelle, Fabinyi, Michael, Fleming, Aysha, Gurney, Georgina, Hodgson-Johnston, Indi, Lawless, Sarah, Melbourne-Thomas, Jess, Navarro, Matt, Pascoe, Sean, Pecl, Gretta, Smith, Bethany, Stacey, Natasha and Voyer, Michelle (2026). Social sciences for meeting Australia’s ocean goals. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 1-33. doi: 10.1080/18366503.2026.2672846
2026
Journal Article
Multilevel governance of marine plastic solutions in Australia and Brazil
Guerrato, Nicole Russo, Fidelman, Pedro and Gonçalves, Leandra Regina (2026). Multilevel governance of marine plastic solutions in Australia and Brazil. Environmental Management, 76 (3) 77. doi: 10.1007/s00267-025-02366-0
2026
Book Chapter
Enabling policy and regulation for offshore wind: lessons from Australia’s emerging blue economy
Smith, Danielle, Frohlich, Miguel and Fidelman, Pedro (2026). Enabling policy and regulation for offshore wind: lessons from Australia’s emerging blue economy. Handbook of sustainable blue economy. (pp. 97-116) edited by Walter Leal Filho, Amanda Lange Salvia, João Eustachio and Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-032-19927-0_8
2026
Other Outputs
Pre-conditions for Offshore Wind Energy Developments in Australia (Work Package 1 – Policy and Regulation)
Smith, Danielle and Fidelman, Pedro (2026). Pre-conditions for Offshore Wind Energy Developments in Australia (Work Package 1 – Policy and Regulation). Hobart, TAS, Australia: Blue Economy CRC.
2025
Other Outputs
Controle nos portos pode ser começo de solução para reduzir excesso de poluição plástica no Sul Global
Fassina, Caroline Malagutti, Pardal, André, Gerrato, Nicole Russo and Fidelman, Pedro (2025, 12 10). Controle nos portos pode ser começo de solução para reduzir excesso de poluição plástica no Sul Global The Conversation doi: 10.64628/ADE.y6fj9p7na
2025
Book Chapter
Oceans and Coasts
Fidelman, Pedro, Wiltshire, Karen Helen, Abdel-Gawad, Fagr, Deudero, Salud, Elegbede, Isa Olalekan, Domingues, Catia Motta, Gunasekara, Sandya, Denise, Britta and Overduin, Paul (2025). Oceans and Coasts. Global Environment Outlook 7: A future we choose – Why investing in Earth now can lead to a trillion-dollar benefit for all. (pp. 213-249) Nairobi, Kenya: UNEP. doi: 10.59117/20.500.11822/49014
2025
Other Outputs
Social Science for Meeting Australia’s Ocean Goals
Sbrocchi, C., Ogier, E., Fidelman, P., Barclay, K., Diedrich, A., Dyer, M., Fabinyi, M., Fleming, A., Gurney, G., Hodgson-Johnson, I., Lawless, S., Melbourne-Thomas, J., Navarro, M., Pascoe, S., Pecl, G. T., Smith, B., Stacey, N. and Voyer, M. (2025). Social Science for Meeting Australia’s Ocean Goals. Hobart, TAS, Australia: National Marine Science Committee.
2025
Other Outputs
Brazil claims to be an environmental leader. Are they?
Fidelman, Pedro (2025, 11 10). Brazil claims to be an environmental leader. Are they? The Conversation doi: 10.64628/AA.9atkmn4ek
2025
Journal Article
Extending responsibility: Port-based downscaling targets for the global plastic treaty
Fassina, C. M., Pardal, A., Gonçalves, L. R., Fidelman, P. and Christofoletti, R. A. (2025). Extending responsibility: Port-based downscaling targets for the global plastic treaty. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 219 118244, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118244
2025
Other Outputs
Richmond River catchment governance assessment
Fidelman, Pedro (2025). Richmond River catchment governance assessment. NSW: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
2025
Journal Article
A systematic review on public perceptions of RNAi-based biopesticides: developing social licence to operate
Tardin-Coelho, Raquel, Fletcher, Stephen, Manzie, Narelle, Gunasekara, Sandya Nishanthi, Fidelman, Pedro, Mitter, Neena and Ashworth, Peta (2025). A systematic review on public perceptions of RNAi-based biopesticides: developing social licence to operate. npj Sustainable Agriculture, 3 (1) 15, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/s44264-025-00057-1
2025
Journal Article
The future of dsRNA-based biopesticides will require global regulatory cohesion
Gunasekara, Sandya, Fidelman, Pedro, Fletcher, Stephen, Gardiner, Donald, Manzie, Narelle, Ashworth, Peta, Tardin-Coelho, Raquel and Mitter, Neena (2025). The future of dsRNA-based biopesticides will require global regulatory cohesion. Nature Plants, 11 (4), 664-667. doi: 10.1038/s41477-025-01953-7
2025
Journal Article
The governance of marine and coral reef restoration, lessons and paths forward for novel interventions
Shumway, Nicole, Foster, Rose and Fidelman, Pedro (2025). The governance of marine and coral reef restoration, lessons and paths forward for novel interventions. Environmental Science and Policy, 164 103999, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.envsci.2025.103999
2025
Conference Publication
RNA-based biopesticides, do we have regulatory and social license to operate?
Mitter, Neena, Gunasekara, S. N., Tardin-Coelho, R., Fletcher, S. J., Fidelman, P. and Ashworth, P. (2025). RNA-based biopesticides, do we have regulatory and social license to operate?. Society of Nematologists 64th Annual Conference, Victoria, BC, Canada, 13-17 July 2025. Warsaw, Poland: Paradigm Publishing Services.
2025
Conference Publication
From challenge to change: lessons from Calantha’s path to eco-friendly biopesticides
Gunasekara, Sandya and Fidelman, Pedro (2025). From challenge to change: lessons from Calantha’s path to eco-friendly biopesticides. TropAg 2025, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 - 13 November 2025.
2025
Journal Article
Governing marine cloud brightening for ecosystem conservation under a warming climate
Foster, Rose, Shumway, Nicole, Harrison, Daniel and Fidelman, Pedro (2025). Governing marine cloud brightening for ecosystem conservation under a warming climate. Earth System Governance, 23 100240, 100240. doi: 10.1016/j.esg.2025.100240
2025
Book Chapter
Ecosystem-based governance for a sustainable blue economy: insights from offshore wind in Australia
Frohlich, Miguel and Fidelman, Pedro (2025). Ecosystem-based governance for a sustainable blue economy: insights from offshore wind in Australia. Volume 2: marine ecology: an ecosystemic view of anthropogenic impacts. (pp. 275-290) edited by Juan M. Molina and Gabriela E. Blasina. Boca Raton, FL, United States: CRC Press. doi: 10.1201/9781003024613-15
2025
Book Chapter
Enabling policy and regulation for offshore wind: lessons from Australia’s emerging blue economy
Smith, Danielle, Frohlich, Miguel and Fidelman, Pedro (2025). Enabling policy and regulation for offshore wind: lessons from Australia’s emerging blue economy. Handbook of sustainable blue economy. (pp. 1-20) edited by Walter Leal Filho, Amanda Lange Salvia, Joao Paulino Pires Eustachio and Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis. Cham, Switzerland: Springer Cham. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-32671-4_8-1
2024
Other Outputs
Perceptions of crown-of-thorns starfish management in the Great Barrier Reef, economic and social co-benefits, and regulatory considerations
Lockie, S., Fidelman, P., Paxton, G., Bartelet, H., Brooksbank, L., Graham, V., Draaisma, L. and Backhaus, V. (2024). Perceptions of crown-of-thorns starfish management in the Great Barrier Reef, economic and social co-benefits, and regulatory considerations. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: COTS Control Innovation Program.
2024
Journal Article
Not all conservation “policy” is created equally: When does a policy give rise to legally binding obligations?
Bell‐James, Justine, Foster, Rose, Frohlich, Miguel, Archibald, Carla, Benham, Claudia, Evans, Megan, Fidelman, Pedro, Morrison, Tiffany, Rolim Baggio, Liza, Billings, Peter and Shumway, Nicole (2024). Not all conservation “policy” is created equally: When does a policy give rise to legally binding obligations?. Conservation Letters, 17 (6) e13054. doi: 10.1111/conl.13054
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in independent regulatory agencies
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving the capacity of legislative frameworks to facilitate marine restoration
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justine Bell-James
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Policies and legislation for Resilience-Based Management - a case study of the Great Barrier Reef.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Justine Bell-James
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman directly for media enquiries about:
- climate change adaptation
- environmental policy
- global environmental change
- Great Barrier Reef
- marine and coastal systems
- natural resource management
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