Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Cities are home to over half the global population and by 2050, around 70% of global residents are expected to live in cities. The urban environment provides many economic, social and health resources for residents and in developed nations can result in better health metrics for urban residents compared to regional-living citizens. However, city-living can make people feel more separated from nature and can increase exposure to other risk factors that contribute to transmissible and chronic diseases. For example, rates for allergic, inflammatory and auto-immune diseases appear to rise with urbanization and be higher in the more urbanized nations of the world. And while air pollution appears to be the most influential environmental risk factor influencing health in urban areas, urban heat has significant and growing (with climate change) impacts on health and wellbeing. Other risk factors like decreased exposure to outdoor and natural environments, and increased exposure to noise and light pollution are under-explored.
Cities are spatially and temporally dynamic and so are the health challenges they bring. The relationships between wellbeing and urban living hold many complexities and caveats that beg clarification before effective and impactful pathways (e.g. nature-based solutions and urban greening) to healthy urban futures can be developed.
This project will explore the temporal, spatial and perceived relationships between urban living and wellbeing using publicly accessible datasets. Qualitative data (stories, open-ended survey responses and/or interviews) can also be used to support explorations of how nature can be used to restore health for urban residents.
By understanding the relationships between wellbeing, and urban environments, this project seeks to explore opportunities to improve outcomes for people and environments through nature-based solutions, and changes to policy, planning schemes and urban programs.
Applicants with experience in spatial and statistical analyses of national and global data sets on closely related topics as evidenced by a first-author publication in a Q1 journal are encouraged to apply. Applicants with experience translating science for real-world impacts from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds are especially encouraged.
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
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
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:
- Applications are open to applicants with a background in research, specifically spatial and statistical analysis relating environmental data AND health/wellbeing data at national and global scales
- Applicants must already have been awarded a First Class Honours degree or master's degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
- International applicants will need at least one first-author publication in a good quality (Q1, according to Scimago) international peer-reviewed journal to be competitive for a scholarship
- Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Evidence of excellent English communication skills, including writing for academic and policy audiences
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Emily Flies 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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