Sustainability and planetary health training for mental health clinicians

About the research project

Background

Sustainability and planetary health issues are closely linked to mental health experiences, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicide (Cosh et al., 2024). Mental health clinicians can play vital roles in mitigating healthcare’s environmental impacts and addressing health issues related to sustainability and planetary health. However, current training is insufficient, necessitating a structured program to prepare clinicians for these challenges (Brown et al., 2022). This project aims to build mental health clinicians’ capacity to address sustainability and planetary health issues through the development of a workplace training program, developed, piloted, and evaluated using a co-design approach involving key stakeholders.

Aims

The study aims to:

• Develop a training program that builds clinicians’ understanding of sustainability and planetary health in the context of mental healthcare.
• Enhance clinicians’ capacity to implement environmentally sustainable practices within mental health services.
• Strengthen clinicians’ ability to recognise and respond to mental health issues that are caused or exacerbated by environmental and planetary health factors.
• Pilot and evaluate the training program to inform broader implementation and integration into professional development frameworks.

Methodology

Informed by Action Research principles, the study will engage stakeholders in co-designing the project. It will be conducted in two phases:

1. Development Phase: Needs assessment and training program development.
2. Implementation and Evaluation Phase: Piloting and evaluating the program using mixed methods.

Expected Outcomes

The research will produce an evidence-informed training program for mental health clinicians, enhancing their capacity to address sustainability and planetary health issues. It aims to build stakeholder capacity and translate findings into sustained practice change, supporting contemporary mental healthcare principles.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor David Lees

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 for 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
• Applications are open to Domestic applicants only
• Familiarity with the Australian Mental Health Care Sector
• Registered Nurse

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.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor David Lees 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 October 2026.

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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