Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Prevention of heart disease is a public health priority and identifying individuals at increased risk before symptoms develop is important for minimising disease progression. Vascular ageing, the decline in blood vessel structure and function, is a marker of overall risk on the blood vessels and over time may lead to damage in the heart, brain and kidneys. Exposure to environmental and genetic risk factors in early life promotes the development and accumulation of blood vessel changes that results in premature, or early vascular ageing. However, research concerning vascular ageing in early life is sparse, despite substantial evidence indicating that the formative years of life play a significant role in contributing to risk observed in adulthood. Certain healthy behaviours such as maintaining a physically active lifestyle can increase cardiorespiratory fitness, however the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on early vascular ageing in young people has not been thoroughly explored.
This project will combine epidemiological and clinical research to answer key questions regarding the impact of fitness on vascular ageing in young people.
Potential PhD projects may include
- Explore the biomarker/s of vascular ageing that are most strongly associated with risk in young people, using data from a large international Consortium.
- Explore what is the most effective lifestyle intervention for early vascular ageing in young people.
- Collect research data to explore the impact of fitness on different biomarkers of vascular ageing in young people.
There are a number of additional research questions that can be explored and projects can be shaped to meet the student’s interest.
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.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Rachel Climie 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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