Using data to transform prostate cancer care

About the research project

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia and globally. in the vast majority of men (>95%) survival further it is becoming apparent that the number of younger men being diagnosed in increasing, and thus the vast majority of men are living longer following their diagnosis. However, many men are living with the debilitating impacts of treatment and thus the quality of survival has thus become an important consideration. At the same time, increasingly genetic information is being used to inform diagnosis and disease management, and it is becoming important to incorporate this into decision-making.

The Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry – Tasmania has collected data on prostate cancer outcomes and treatments, including questionnaire data about function and symptoms, since 2015. This rich dataset offers multiple research opportunities for patient-centred research. This project will use epidemiological and survey methods to address key questions about prostate cancer outcomes and impacts in the real world.

Potential PhD projects may include:

1. Evaluating the impact of treatment choice on symptoms and function over time
2. Assessing long-term treatment impacts such as health service utilisation
3. Examining preferences about treatments, including treatments that involve genetic testing

Additional research questions and projects can be explored depending on student interest. 

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Ingrid Cox

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.

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 Ingrid Cox 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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