Identification of honey components

Identification of the volatile components of some Tasmanian honeys

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Honey is a natural product that has been valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties since ancient times. Honey is produced by honeybees from the nectar of various plants, and its composition and quality depend on the floral source, environmental factors, and processing methods.

Honeys differ widely in taste and aroma and each region produces its own typical varieties. In Tasmania, honey can be classified into different types based on its botanical origin, such as clover, manuka, or leatherwood honey.

Leatherwood honey is a unique and premium type of honey that is exclusively produced in Tasmania, Australia. Leatherwood honey is derived from the nectar of Eucryphia lucida, a tree species that grows only in the temperate rainforests of Tasmania. Tasmanian Leatherwood honey is seen as an icon for Tasmania's clean green image and food products. It is a natural food harvested from wilderness and wet forest areas that can be linked to other Tasmanian products and Tasmania's branding image.

However, the production and authenticity of honey in Australia and beyond face several challenges and threats: https://theconversation.com/what-is-fake-honey-and-why-didnt-the-official-tests-pick-it-up-102573

Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and robust method to authenticate and characterise Tasmanian honeys, and to distinguish them from other types of honey. Such a method would help protect the interests of consumers, producers, and exporters, and ensure the quality and traceability of this precious product. The aim of this research project is to develop a method to authenticate and characterise Tasmanian honey based on its chemical and physical properties, using advanced analytical techniques and statistical tools.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Prof Robert Shellie

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.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

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:

  • Applications are open to applicants from Analytical Chemistry background or a closely related discipline only
  • 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:

  • Experience using chromatography (HPLC / GC / GC-MS)

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Prof Robert Shellie to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

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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