Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Plastics exist on ships and in ports in many forms: as cargo, packaging materials, equipment, fittings and structures; as components of paints, detergents and cleaning products; as items of personal use such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetic products, food and beverage containers, utensils, bottles and similar. There are several ways that plastics can make their way into the sea from ships and ports. Plastics can enter the marine environment through shipping accidents, via effluents from ships and ports, through illegal dumping of garbage, and wear and tear of equipment and structures. In addition, plastics can be transferred from one place to another through dredging and ballasting activities. Of particular concern are microplastics (particle size <5mm). Microplastics may be manufactured intentionally or they may form from weathering and fragmentation of larger plastic items. Due to their small size, microplastics are difficult to remove from the environment. Microplastics can be harmful to both the marine organisms that may ingest them and humans who consume contaminated seafood. This project will examine microplastics pollution associated with ports and shipping activities. Specifically, the project will investigate risks of microplastics pollution from ports and shipping operations and the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies.
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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
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:
- Good analytical skills
- High level written communication skills
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Familiarity with the maritime industry
- Knowledge of maritime pollution sources and pathways
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Prashant Bhaskar 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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