Christopher Fleming

Professor Christopher Fleming serves as Dean (Research) for the Griffith Business School at Griffith University, Australia, a position he has held since January 2021. His academic career at Griffith University demonstrates steady progression from Lecturer (2009-2013) to Senior Lecturer (2013-2015), Associate Professor (2015-2018), and Professor (2018-present).

• PhD in Economics from the University of Queensland
• Master of Applied Economics (First Class Honours) from Massey University, New Zealand
• BA (Economics) from the University of Otago, New Zealand

Professor Fleming's research focuses on ecological and environmental economics, nature-based solutions to climate change, and sustainable development pathways for small island developing states, particularly in the Pacific region. His work bridges theoretical economics with practical policy applications, resulting in over 50 journal publications and more than $15 million in research funding, including $2.7 million in Category 1 Australian Competitive Grants.

His recent publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary approach connecting environmental economics, sustainable development, and Pacific-focused climate adaptation research, with increasing emphasis on ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, nature-based climate solutions, and corporate purpose/value systems. The research demonstrates consistent output across multiple high-impact journals in environmental economics and sustainability fields.

• Over $15 million in research funding secured
• Published 50+ journal articles
• Supervised numerous PhD, Masters, and Honours students to completion
• Active researcher in Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith Climate Action Beacon, and other research entities

Professor Fleming has successfully supervised multiple doctoral students to completion, including Apeksha Embuldeniya (2024), Dr. Maja Vinde Folkersen (2019), and Dr. Rajapaksha Pedilage Dayani Gunathilaka (2018). He currently supervises several doctoral candidates working on diverse topics related to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and environmental management across Pacific Island nations and Australia.

His extensive research portfolio includes significant projects with Pacific Island nations through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and various regional councils. These projects focus on ecosystem-based adaptation, climate resilience planning, and sustainable development pathways, demonstrating his ability to secure substantial research funding and lead multidisciplinary research teams.