Climate extremes and agricultural resilience in Tasmania

About the research project

Climate extremes such as heatwaves, droughts, flash floods, and windstorms are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, posing serious challenges to the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural systems. Tasmania’s diverse agricultural regions are not immune to these risks, especially in key sectors such as livestock and broadacre cropping. This PhD project aims to understand how extreme and compound weather events influence agricultural productivity in Tasmania and identify systems-based adaptations that build resilience under a changing climate. The research will investigate changes in the frequency and severity of individual and compound events (e.g. wind following rain), their impacts on agricultural productivity, and explore adaptation strategies that enhance resilience while balancing trade-offs between food security, profitability, and, where feasible, emissions mitigation. Using an integrated systems approach, the project will assess how different adaptation pathways influence resilience outcomes for key farming systems.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Kathleen Beyer

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Natural Hazards Atlas for Tasmania initiative 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.

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:

• Background in agricultural science, environmental science, climate science, or systems modelling.
• Understanding of agricultural systems and climate impact processes.
• Strong analytical skills, including data interpretation and systems thinking.
• Interest in climate change adaptation and resilience in food production.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in agricultural modelling or systems analysis.
• Familiarity with stakeholder engagement or participatory research.
• Knowledge of compound climate events or systems resilience theory.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Kathleen Beyer 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 August 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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