Dr Sebastian Thomas

AIC Senior Fellow

The University of Melbourne

Dr Sebastian Thomas is a Lecturer in Sustainability and Leadership, based at the Office for Environmental Programs at the University of Melbourne. He is a transdisciplinary researcher with a background in climate strategy, environmental management, and sustainability economics and policy. In the context of global change issues – including technology, climate and environment, new economic forces, social movements and conflicts, and resource constraints – he investigates how communities can connect to global economic and policy frameworks to achieve resilient and prosperous sustainability outcomes.

His research interests include vulnerability and resilience, ‘blue carbon’ in coastal ecosystems and its role in sustainable development, ocean governance, energy transitions, and the role of strategic business innovation in adapting to global challenges. He has extensive experience working in the Asia-Pacific as a business leader and research scientist.