Developing EWP from Tasmanian Hardwoods

Developing structural elements from Tasmanian fibre-managed plantation hardwood

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 July 2023

Campus

Hobart, Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

This project aims at improving the utilisation of Tasmania's forest resource by developing new structurally reliable engineered wood products (EWPs) from sawn boards recovered from the available plantation hardwood estate. The project will involve grading, jointing, glueing and monitoring of indoor air quality expertise necessary to develop suitable and reliable EWP. This improved industry efficiency as it allows material currently chipped for pulp and paper to be converted into much more valuable, manufactured products. Given the size of the resource available, high volume production may be possible.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Assaad Taoum

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 $31,500 per annum (2023 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.

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:

  • A degree in civil, structural, mechanical, or agricultural engineering or a degree in forest science/forestry

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Work experience in timber design or manufacturing

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Assaad Taoum 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 July 2023.

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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