Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Ocean literacy is crucial for understanding the vital role that oceans play in sustaining life on our planet. It encompasses knowledge about the ocean's physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as its significance in regulating climate, providing food, and supporting ecosystems. Despite its importance, improving ocean literacy faces several challenges. Limited resources, funding, and infrastructure can hinder the dissemination of ocean-related knowledge. Additionally, the complexity and vastness of the ocean can make it difficult to convey its importance in a relatable manner. Overcoming misconceptions and fostering a deeper appreciation for the ocean's role requires targeted efforts in education and public outreach.
Generative AI is now capable of rapidly producing convincing text, images, video, and audio in a flexible way on virtually any topic. This broad capability could be leveraged to tailor relevant and important technical content to specific audiences on the fly with minimal human supervision. Which could both decrease the barrier for content creators in creating useful content for knowledge sharing and decrease the barrier for target audiences in understanding. The conversational nature of generative AI can even allow for open-ended conversations and follow-up questions.
This project aims to explore how generative AI tools can be leveraged to educate and inspire people on topics related to the oceans. The project will use mixed methodologies to examine AI capabilities related to generating text, images, video, and/or audio to create a range of informative and engaging content about marine life, ecosystems, environmental issues, and conservation initiatives.
The outcomes of the project will be broadly relevant to scientists, educators, policymakers and industry stakeholders who are interested in adopting novel methods for communicating technical and important information to diverse audiences. In particular, this project aligns to the goal of the UN Decade of Ocean Science Sustainable Development to connect people to the ocean.
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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.
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:
- You should have prior experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research, evidenced by Honours or Masters degree in the area of social sciences, natural sciences or a related field
- You should have interdisciplinary research skills - and/or a keen interest to develop these
- You should be comfortable working with new technologies
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with science communication and/or media
- Relevant publication in ranked academic journals (ABDC or Scopus)
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Rachel Kelly 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 February 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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