Open to research & industry collaborations

Darliane Cunha

Researcher · AI & Sustainability · Data Analytics

Bridging artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability to drive measurable impact across organisations and infrastructure systems.

20+

Years of Research

9

Published Papers

3

Book Chapters

4

Countries of Collaboration

About Me

I am a researcher passionate about technology, data, and sustainability, working at the intersection of AI, digital innovation, and environmental performance. I have led high-impact research at a Brazilian public university, applying data-driven approaches to real-world sustainability challenges.

My work spans academic research, applied tool development, and strategic consulting — combining rigorous quantitative methods with practical implementation across port infrastructure, sustainability reporting, and digital transformation.

I am currently seeking opportunities in research institutions, international organisations, and innovative companies where I can apply my expertise in AI, sustainability analytics, and data-driven decision-making to create lasting environmental and organisational impact.

Available for remote and international positions

Academic Background

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Postdoctoral Fellowship

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands · 2024 – 2025

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Postdoctoral Fellowship

Autonomous University of Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain · 2017 – 2018

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PhD in Accounting & Finance

University of Zaragoza

Zaragoza, Spain · 2016

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MSc in Accounting

University of São Paulo

São Paulo, Brazil · 2002

Expertise & Skills

A blend of technical proficiency and domain expertise developed across two decades of research and applied work.

Data & Analytics

PythonRPandasScikit-learnTableauPower BIStreamlit

AI & Machine Learning

NLPComputer VisionText MiningBibliometricsPrompt Engineering

Sustainability & Research

SDG FrameworksGRI StandardsESG ReportingBibliometric AnalysisSystematic Review

Tools & Platforms

PlotlyVercelGitHubJupyterLaTeXExcel / SPSS

Research Areas

My research sits at the convergence of three interconnected domains.

AI & Data Analytics

Leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to extract insights from complex environmental datasets, develop predictive models, and improve evidence-based decision-making processes.

Digital Innovation

Exploring how digital technologies — from smart sensors to dashboards and AI-powered tools — can transform sustainability reporting, measurement, and organisational practices at scale.

Sustainability & Environment

Addressing real-world environmental challenges through research on sustainability frameworks, SDG implementation, port infrastructure, and decarbonisation strategies across sectors.

Publications

Peer-reviewed research and book chapters advancing knowledge in sustainability, AI, and port infrastructure.

Research Papers

9 articles

SDG Attributes in Port Sustainability Reporting

Examines how sustainability development goal attributes are disclosed and measured in port sector reporting, proposing a structured framework for SDG-linked performance indicators.

SDGsPortsReporting

Strategies for Decarbonisation in Maritime Infrastructure

Investigates decarbonisation pathways for port and maritime infrastructure, analysing policy instruments, alternative fuels, and operational efficiency measures.

DecarbonisationMaritimeClimate

Challenges and Strategies for SDG 14 in Port Contexts

Analyses the challenges of implementing SDG 14 (Life Below Water) within port operations, identifying strategic interventions for marine ecosystem protection.

SDG 14MarinePorts

Adoption of Global Sustainability Frameworks in Brazilian Ports

Investigates the uptake of international sustainability frameworks (GRI, ISO 14001, EMAS) across Brazilian port authorities, identifying drivers and barriers to adoption.

BrazilFrameworksGRI

Sustainable Practices in Brazilian Ports: SDG 9, 13, 14

Maps sustainability practices in Brazilian ports against SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), providing a comparative assessment.

BrazilSDGsBest practices

A Bibliometric Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals

Conducts a systematic bibliometric review of SDG-related academic literature, mapping research trends, key authors, and thematic clusters across disciplines.

BibliometricsSDGsLiterature review

Disclosure of the Sustainable Development Goals

Evaluates the quality and completeness of SDG disclosure practices in corporate and institutional sustainability reports, proposing metrics for transparency assessment.

DisclosureSDGsTransparency

Innovations and Smart Technologies in Port Sustainability

Reviews the role of smart technologies — IoT, AI, and digital twins — in advancing sustainability performance and operational efficiency in modern port systems.

Smart techIoTInnovation

Sustainability Practices for SDGs: A Port Sector Review

Provides a comprehensive review of sustainability practices aligned with the SDG framework, synthesising evidence from port sector case studies globally.

SDGsReviewPort sector

Book Chapters

3 chapters

Manifesto ESG Portuário

Proposes an ESG manifesto for the port sector, articulating principles and commitments for environmental, social, and governance performance in port operations.

ESGPortsGovernance

Tópicos Estratégicos Portuários — Volume 1

Covers strategic topics in port management, including logistics efficiency, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability integration in Brazilian port policy.

StrategyPortsBrazil

Tópicos Estratégicos Portuários — Volume 2

Continues the strategic analysis of port sector challenges, focusing on digital transformation, environmental compliance, and innovation in port governance.

DigitalInnovationGovernance

Get in Touch

I am open to research collaborations, consulting engagements, speaking invitations, and full-time or part-time positions in academia and industry. Feel free to reach out.

What I'm Looking For

Research Positions

Postdoctoral, senior researcher, or research scientist roles in sustainability, AI, or data analytics.

Industry Collaborations

Consulting, advisory, or project-based work with organisations tackling sustainability and digital transformation.

International Projects

EU-funded research projects, UN initiatives, or cross-border programmes in environmental performance.

Speaking & Teaching

Guest lectures, conference presentations, and executive education on AI, sustainability, and data-driven strategy.