Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 December 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$32,192pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
The aim of this PhD is to assess international examples of best management practices that have been used to accommodate trees and vegetation in built environments and quantify the costs and benefits of employing these different practices. Across the world cities are scrambling to identify viable ways to increase vegetation cover to help respond to climate change. Trees and vegetation can assist with mitigation (e.g., carbon sequestration) and adaptation (reducing temperatures, reducing runoff and flooding, providing habitat). Although the benefits of trees and vegetation are well recognised, there are also known problems (e.g., damage to underground infrastructure, harm to human health). Urban tree managers and town planners recognise the challenges that accompany efforts to increase tree canopy cover in cities (e.g., competition for scarce space), but there are few resources available that demonstrate viable ways to increase green-cover without triggering costly and potential harmful or unintended consequences (e.g., infrastructure damage). This PhD project will assess the international literature on urban greening and will use interviews with key stakeholders to identify best practices for ensuring the longer term survival of trees and vegetation in cities. The project will then employ approaches from ecological economics/econometrics to calculate the comparative costs and benefits of different best management practices in monetary terms. Several questions inform the project as follows:
- What best practices are available to accommodate more trees and vegetation in cities (e.g., planting, pruning, watering, tree selection etc.)?
- How do these best practices vary across different urban contexts (e.g., dense areas, constrained spaces, different climates)?
- What are the comparative costs and benefits of identified best practices in monetary terms?
- What are the drivers, barriers, and enablers to the uptake of identified best management practices?
References:
Coffey, B., Bush, J., Mumaw, L., De Kleyn, L., Furlong, C. and Cretney, R., 2020. Towards good governance of urban greening: insights from four initiatives in Melbourne, Australia. Australian Geographer, 51(2), pp.189-204.
Jim, C.Y., 2013. Sustainable urban greening strategies for compact cities in developing and developed economies. Urban Ecosystems, 16, pp.741-761.
Ordóñez-Barona, C., Bush, J., Hurley, J., Amati, M., Juhola, S., Frank, S., Ritchie, M., Clark, C., English, A., Hertzog, K. and Caffin, M., 2021. International approaches to protecting and retaining trees on private urban land. Journal of Environmental Management, 285, p.112081.
Rodrigues, A.L.M., da Silva, D.D. and de Menezes Filho, F.C.M., 2021. Methodology for allocation of best management practices integrated with the urban landscape. Water Resources Management, 35(4), pp.1353-1371.
Roman, L.A., Walker, L.A., Martineau, C.M., Muffly, D.J., MacQueen, S.A. and Harris, W., 2015. Stewardship matters: Case studies in establishment success of urban trees. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 14(4), pp.1174-1182.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend co-funded by ARC of $32,192 per annum (2024 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.
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:
- Applicant must be available to undertake the project on-campus in Hobart, Tasmania
- The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis
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:
- A First Class Honours Degree or equivalent in Geography, Economics, Planning, Landscape Architecture or cognate field.
- Ability to design and implement research projects, collect, and analyse data, and write up research findings in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with stakeholders from a range of backgrounds, including scientists, policymakers, and community members.
- Ability to engage with stakeholders, including community members and policymakers, and translate complex scientific concepts into accessible and actionable information.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to identify research gaps and develop innovative solutions to address complex climate adaptation challenges.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing research conditions.
- Ability to manage time effectively to complete the project on time.
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Proficiency in relevant research methodologies and techniques for studying urban green infrastructure.
- Familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and applications for spatial analysis.
- Familiarity with the concepts and principles of climate change adaptation and econometrics.
- Knowledge of statistical analysis software.
- Experience in using social research methods.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Jason Byrne 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 December 2024.
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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