Agrivoltaics for crop protection

Agrivoltaics to enable increased seasonal crop production and protection

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2025

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Agrivoltaic Systems (AVS) involve the co-location of agricultural activities with energy generation through photovoltaics. This project will investigate how agrivoltaics can increase crop yield while also lowering overall farm emissions. Of particular interest is high value seasonal crop production, such as that of grapes, berries and cherries in Tasmania, where the integration of agrivoltaics may aid in increasing crop production but also through innovative tracking approaches provide additional value including crop protection.

The project will involve:

  • Development of novel AVS designs with weather-adaptive tracking control
  • Computation of whole farm Greenhouse Gas emissions (baseline compared with renewable energy scenario)
  • Identification of scenarios needed to reach carbon neutrality

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Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Sarah Lyden

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.

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.

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Sarah Lyden to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. 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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