Miranda Forsyth

Professional Summary: Professor Miranda Forsyth

Professor Miranda Forsyth is a distinguished academic at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. With a focus on legal anthropology and Pacific studies, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of legal pluralism, customary law, and intellectual property in Pacific Island contexts. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges law, anthropology, and policy, offering critical insights into the intersection of traditional and modern legal systems.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Forsyth holds advanced degrees in law and anthropology, equipping her with a unique perspective in her research and teaching:

• PhD in Law, Australian National University
• Master of Laws (LLM), University of Sydney
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Forsyth’s research centers on the following key areas:

• Legal pluralism and the interaction between state and non-state legal systems in the Pacific
• Customary law and traditional knowledge in Pacific Island communities
• Intellectual property rights, particularly in relation to cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge
• Sorcery and witchcraft-related violence in Melanesia and its legal implications
• Restorative justice and community-based approaches to conflict resolution

Career History and Appointments

Professor Forsyth has held several notable positions at ANU and beyond, reflecting her expertise and leadership in her field:

• Professor, School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet), Australian National University
• Associate Dean (Research), College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU (previous role)
• Fellow, State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Program, ANU (previous affiliation)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Forsyth’s contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards and fellowships:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (2015–2019), for her project on intellectual property and traditional knowledge in the Pacific
• Recipient of multiple ARC grants for research on legal pluralism and sorcery-related violence

Key Publications

Professor Forsyth has authored and co-authored numerous influential works, including books, journal articles, and reports. Below is a selection of her key publications:

• ‘A Bird That Flies With Two Wings: Kastom and State Justice Systems in Vanuatu’ (2009) – Book published by ANU Press
• ‘Weaving Intellectual Property Policy in Small Island Developing States’ (2015) – Co-authored book with Sue Farran, published by Intersentia
• ‘The Regulation of Witchcraft and Sorcery Practices and Beliefs’ (2016) – Article in Annual Review of Law and Social Science
• ‘Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence in Papua New Guinea’ (2018) – Co-authored report with Fiona Hukula and Judy Putt, published by ANU

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Forsyth’s work has had a profound impact on the study of legal pluralism and Pacific legal systems. Her research on sorcery accusation-related violence has informed policy discussions in Papua New Guinea and beyond, contributing to efforts to address gender-based violence and human rights issues. Her studies on intellectual property and traditional knowledge have shaped debates on how global legal frameworks can better accommodate indigenous perspectives, influencing both academic discourse and practical policy-making in the Pacific region.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Forsyth is actively engaged in academic and public spheres through various roles and contributions:

• Regular presenter at international conferences on legal anthropology and Pacific studies
• Contributor to public policy discussions on sorcery-related violence and legal reform in Melanesia
• Member of editorial boards and reviewer for journals in law and anthropology
• Organizer and speaker at public seminars and workshops hosted by ANU’s College of Asia and the Pacific