New appointment for PML’s International Office

17 April 2023

Matt has a proven track record in international working at the highest of levels, relating to strategic development and management within the research and charity sectors.

Well known to many at PML, Matt has been a regular collaborator on scientific projects and provided excellent insights on governmental and policy-relevant issues through scientific advisory groups.

Before coming to PML Matt was Deputy Director and Head of Policy & Engagement at the Marine Biological Association. Matt has also worked at the University of Plymouth as a Lecturer on ‘Marine & Coastal Ecosystem Management’ as well as spending time at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the British Geological Survey.

Key career accomplishments include:

• Chairing the UK government’s main marine climate change advisory committee, which improved advice delivery to the government by developing a model for science-policy interface.
• Chairing the multi-government department committee to establish Oversea Territories network that received high-level ministerial support, recognised by nominations for various awards, including a civil service award (top 3 out of 1500) for networking projects.
• Established/Chaired high-level science-policy networks, liaising with bodies including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UK Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office, Commonwealth secretariat and networks in Japan, Russia, Canada and beyond.
• Led on policy work by providing input into governmental, parliamentary and stakeholder policy workshops, sitting on high-level committees (e.g. UN Decade National Committee), co-ordinating responses to government consultations and giving in-person evidence to inquiries and government select committees.
• Wrote the ‘Ocean Observations at the science policy interface’ report that became the basis for action for the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group, Ocean Observations (led by Canada).

 
The PML International Office has been developed to help drive forward PML’s vision for a sustainable ocean future and further enhance its reputation for world-leading marine science.

As the Head of the Office, Matt will be engaging with a range of initiatives, programmes and stakeholders at UK, European, intergovernmental and global levels, leading the development and delivery of PML’s international strategy, whilst also helping PML science staff to develop and deploy their own skills in order to maximise the organisation’s reach and influence.  

Matt will help create and secure opportunities for PML to bring its scientific research to bear on key decision-making undertakings, positioning PML and its research in high-level international activities as well as generating enhanced international visibility, influence and impact to maximising existing partnerships and nurture new strategic relationships.

Professor Icarus Allen, Chief Executive of Plymouth Marine Laboratory, commented: “We are very excited to welcome Matt to PML. We are confident that his extensive experience, expertise and proven successes working with governments, intergovernmental organisations, embassies, diplomatic networks, NGOs and other high-level agencies will be invaluable in sharing PML’s internationally recognised science to help support a healthy, clean, biologically diverse and sustainably managed ocean into the future.”

Dr Matt Frost, newly appointed Head of PML’s International Office, said: “Having worked alongside PML for many years, I already have a good understanding of the organisation’s world-class capabilities and global influence. In this role, I am very much looking forward to helping to enhance PML's international relations and support its vision of a healthy and sustainable ocean, through the delivery of impactful, cutting-edge environmental and social science.”

We look forward to working more closely with Matt to further develop the societal benefit of PML’s world-class marine science.