Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Maritime networks are highly international. They are made of seaports as network nodes that are connected by shipping services as network links. Seaports and shipping are vulnerable to disruptions that can be caused by factors such as maritime accidents, congestion, labour disputes and strikes, technological failure, cyber-attacks, war and conflict, political changes, extreme weather, etc. Their disruption can have an extensive and significant impact on the maritime network and subsequently international trade, economy and environment. Resilience of seaports and shipping and especially maritime networks is critical to industry and stakeholders.
This research project aims to propose a analytical framework to evaluate maritime network resilience and apply it to analyse the resilience of Indo-Pacific maritime networks. The analysis is based on complex network analysis (SNA) and covers the aspects related to network resilience including but not limited to:
- Robustness: The capacity of a network to withstand failures of its nodes or edges.
- Recovery: The ability of a network to recover quickly from disruptions and restore normal operations.
- Adaptability: The capacity of a network to adapt its structure or behavior to new conditions in response to disruptions.
The study will propose criteria for a maritime network to maintain its critical functions. The project will also consider factors that are critical to network resilience, such as network topology (structure), centrality, diversity and redundancy, and dynamics. A literature review will first be conducted to review existing research methods in network resilience analysis such as network simulations, resilience metrics e.g. average path length, connectivity, clustering coefficient and node centrality. The most relevant method will then be chosen accordingly while recognising that each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The analysis will make use of available AIS data on maritime transport in the Indo-Pacific since the COVID period up to the present time. Furthermore, simulation of removal of randomly selected and critical nodes will be conducted to see how the network will change. The current and new (affected) networks will then be compared using various network measures. Implications for seaports, shipping lines and industry stakeholders on how to improve maritime network resilience will be discussed.
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:
- Research skills; skills in statistical analysis; and background in economics, transport, logistics or supply chain management
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to the project:
- Previous publications in scientific journals and or international conferences
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Oanh Nguyen 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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