Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters, intensifying the need for advanced disaster risk management at the local level. Traditional risk assessment methods, focused primarily on isolated hazards, often fail to capture the complexity of systemic risks that impact our interconnected physical, social, and economic systems. This PhD project aims to bridge that gap by developing novel methods to assess and manage systemic risks for local governments, with a specific focus on spatial and quantitative approaches.
This research will explore how systemic risk assessment, combined with innovative spatial and quantitative techniques, can enhance municipal risk management frameworks. Using case studies focused on flood and fire-impacted communities, this project will examine the propagation of risks across municipal systems, integrating both current and new hazard and systems models to inform better decision-making.
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:
- A relevant undergraduate or master's degree in risk management, geography, environmental science, engineering, urban planning or a related discipline
- Strong analytical skills, particularly in quantitative and/or spatial analysis
- Experience with spatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS
- Demonstrated interest in disaster risk management, climate adaptation, or urban resilience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience with quantitative modelling techniques and data analysis
- Previous research experience, particularly related to disaster risk or urban planning
- Experience engaging with stakeholders, such as municipal authorities, policymakers, or community groups
- Knowledge of systemic risk frameworks and an understanding of infrastructure interdependencies
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Kathleen Beyer 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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