Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The single most significant preventable cause of ill health and death in Australia is smoking. Nearly all adult smokers (90%) try their first cigarette before they turn 21 years old, which transitions to regular daily smoking for most between 18 and 21 years of age. This crucial age group, undergoing physiological and psychological transition, is well-identified and targeted by tobacco companies to promote a lifelong habit of smoking. As stated by Philip Morris in 1986, the policies that support raising the minimum legal age (MLA) could be fatal to the tobacco industry, hampering their access to the young adult market. Raising the MLA for the sale of cigarettes is gaining traction as a part of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. There is a gap in knowledge about smoking and legislative options, such as T21, through the eyes of young people in Australia. There is a need to synthesise existing evidence and gather the views directly from young people, which can inform the development of meaningful strategies that can be translated into practice. Utilising the concept of transitional research in this domain could not only strengthen the tobacco control policies but contribute to tobacco endgame in Tasmania.
Aim:
Co-design an intervention with young people to reduce or delay the uptake of tobacco
Studies:
- Systematic review of literature evaluating the impact of T21 globally.
- Examine current trends in prevalence and associated factors of tobacco use.
- Explore the social and psychological context of tobacco uptake among youth and their understanding of Tobacco 21.
- Co-design and implement a pilot intervention for delaying the uptake of smoking
- Economic analysis; health benefits and cost savings of T21
- Assess the environmental benefits of T21
- Evaluate the pilot intervention
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Suzanne WaddinghamFunding
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:
- 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:
- Have completed a postgraduate-level course in Health
- Have a 'working with vulnerable people' card
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Have worked in the field of Public Health, tobacco control and/or obtained a Masters Public Health
- Have worked with young people
- Experience in mixed methods
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Suzanne Waddingham 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 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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