Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
A rapidly changing climate and environment are negatively impacting on the wellbeing of Australians and global citizens. Increased impacts from extreme heat, weather-related disasters, and air pollution are well-recognised and impact on both physical and mental health. The existential threats of climate change and environmental degradation also impact negatively on mental health and wellbeing. Some individuals and communities feel the threats and losses of environmental change more acutely than others. Young people, for example, are experiencing poor mental health and have the highest rates of mental ill health, with anxiety being the most common diagnosed disorder.
However, the environment can also be a great source of comfort for people. Connecting with nature has been shown to bring many benefits for wellbeing, from physical, mental and cognitive health benefits to overall satisfaction with life. Unfortunately, health and environment are often managed by different governments and organisations, prohibiting synergistic solutions like nature connection.
This project seeks to unpick the spatial relationships between environmental change, wellbeing, and nature connection for under-represented and vulnerable populations and explore opportunities to improve outcomes for people and environments through changes to policies and programs.
This project will be part of the Healthy Environments and Lives network and the Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub; the candidate will be expected to engage with and contribute to these networks.
Applicants with experience in spatial and statistical analyses of wellbeing and/or environmental change from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants with experience translating science to policy impacts are especially encouraged to apply.
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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 Domestic/ International/ Onshore applicants
- 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 analysis relating climate/environmental data AND health/wellbeing data
- Evidence of engagement with governmental (or intergovernmental) policy or advocacy
- 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 publication in a good quality 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
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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