Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 October 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The integrated assessment of development and use impacts on Australia's marine estate examines the comprehensive effects of human activities on the marine environment (direct and indirect). By evaluating the consequences of development and resource use, it aids in informed decision-making, sustainable management, and the use and protection of Australia's marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Integrated Ecosystem Assessment has been called for in Australia by the National Marine Science Committee as part of planning Australia ocean use and maximising benefit. In Australia, IEA could support managers and policy makers to find solutions that support triple-bottom line outcomes across multiple use including fisheries, cultural, tourism, aquaculture and renewable energy.
Aims/Objectives
Develop modelling approaches for integrated ecosystem assessment that represent the human dimensions and support social-ecological system stewardship. Assess triple-bottom-line outcomes (economic, ecological and social) from changes to management in the marine environment. The focal area will be south-east marine ecosystems, including Bass Strait soft sediment ecosystems and the Great Southern Reef. The work will aim to inform on policies for ecosystem assessment in government and national assessments such as the State of Environment Reporting.
Methods
This project is supported by a CSIRO R+ top-up and project funds.
Ecosystem models that include qualitative network models and dynamic end-to-end models will be further developed to include social dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on representing cross-sectorial interactions, such as the influence of offshore infrastructure on changes in fishing distribution, and corresponding changes in ecosystems.
The case-study application to Bass Strait will assess dynamic interactions among fisheries, aquaculture, renewables and protected areas. The case-study for the Great Southern Reef will assess interactions among restoration, recreational fisheries and cultural values.
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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 $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.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also be considered for a top-up scholarship of $10,000 per annum for 3 years. This scholarship is funded by CSIRO.
If successful and international, single rate OSHC will be covered by the school (QMS).
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
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:
- Bachelor's degree in biological science, environmental science, ecological science, economics, mathematics, statistics or a related area
- Research degree, or equivalent research experience, in biological science, environmental science, ecological science, economics, mathematics, statistics or a related area
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Knowledge of marine ecosystem dynamics and management
- Experience in scientific computer coding, such as in R or Python
- Experience in ecological modelling
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Christopher Brown 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 October 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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