Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world, with estimated prevalence having doubled to 10 million over the last 2 decades. In Australia, there is limited evidence regarding the epidemiology or health economic impacts of PD. For example, prevalence estimates vary between 70,000 and 250,000. In turn, it is challenging to estimate the true costs associated with PD in Australia. This PhD will generate evidence to address these gaps.
Aims:
1. Conduct a systematic review of the prevalence of PD
2. Estimate the costs of PD to patients, government and the Australian society
3. Evaluate the quality of life health state utility values for PD
4. Develop a disease simulation model for PD
Study 1 will involve a systematic review of all published evidence of the prevalence of PD guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. For studies 2 and 3, the candidate will recruit a national sample of people living with PD. Participants will be invited to complete an online survey on their health and quality of life, along with completing a cost diary. These data will be used to generate cost estimates and health state utility values for PD. The fourth study will involve development of a disease simulation model for PD. The results of studies 2 and 3, along with prevalence estimates identified in study 1, will be used to populate the model. This will involve microsimulation of PD cohorts to support evaluation of new interventions for PD.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Barbara de GraaffFunding
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.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- This PhD scholarship is open to domestic applicants.
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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- A background in health economics is desirable.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Barbara de Graaff 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 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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