Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
This research aims to improve dementia inclusivity by developing a Nature Hub model of psychosocial care and support. The innovation of this research is the focus on designing and evaluating nature-based scaffolding interventions, driven by communities, to discover and deliver sustainable community structures of support for people living with dementia and care-partners. Expected outcomes are more enabling and genuinely inclusive communities, that ensure enhanced quality of life and longer periods of ageing at home for people living with dementia, and lower levels of carer-stress.
Our own work, and that of others, shows that leveraging the known benefits of nature connection into the formation of a sustainable model of psychosocial support shows great promise to address dementia isolation. In nature, we can be physically active and socially connected; or we can be quiet and calm. Nature's affordances are not experienced in institutional or indoor settings. Connecting with nature improves physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and cognitive wellbeing. For people experiencing dementia this means reduced anxieties, confusion and depression, and the chance for meaning and purpose amid the challenges presented by cognitive change.
Nevertheless, we cannot just point people living with dementia toward nearby nature and expect them to go there. There are multiple barriers that impede access to nature while experiencing dementia, including apathy, anxiety about falls, getting lost, care-partner risk aversion, and lack of dementia awareness among green space providers. As a community, we need to help reduce these barriers.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Applications are open to applicants from these discipline backgrounds: psychological sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Proficiency with a variety of research methods (mixed-methods preferred) and demonstrated capacity to conduct independently-driven research
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Relevant professional or clinical experience e.g., allied health, aged care, community health
- Experience working with older persons and/or people living with dementia in a research and/or professional capacity
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Cassandra Thomson to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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