Global Food Security under Climate and Systemic Shocks

About the research project

Global food systems are facing increasing stress from climate change, market volatility, systemic shocks and geopolitical disruptions. These pressures threaten food production, accessibility, affordability and stability across regions, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. Understanding the interacting drivers of food supply and demand is therefore critical for safeguarding global food security in an increasingly uncertain world.

The primary aims of this PhD project are to:

• Analyse long-term trends and structural drivers of global food supply and demand, including climate change, market dynamics and trade patterns;
• Systematically assess the impacts of shocks — such as climate change, economic disruptions and geopolitical events — on food production, prices, access and food security outcomes; and
• Identify pathways and policy-relevant interventions that enhance the resilience, equity and sustainability of global food systems under future climate and geopolitical uncertainty.

The outcomes of this project will contribute to improved understanding of food system vulnerability and resilience, supporting evidence-based policy and strategic decision-making aimed at strengthening global food security.

This PhD will:

• Compile and analyse large-scale global datasets on agricultural production, climate, markets, trade and food security indicators;
• Apply quantitative, data-driven and systems-based modelling approaches to disentangle the relative influence of climate change, markets, shocks and geopolitical drivers on food supply and demand;
• Conduct scenario and stress-testing analyses to examine future food system outcomes under alternative climate, economic and geopolitical pathways;
• Assess the implications of these dynamics for food availability, affordability and access across regions; and
• Generate policy-relevant insights to inform strategies that improve food system resilience and reduce food security risks.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Ranju Chapagain

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 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

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:

• 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:
• High levels of knowledge and experience  in finance, data science and agriculture are required
• Experience in process-based crop modelling (e.g. APSIM Next Gen, DSSAT) and programming (e.g. R and Phyton)
• Excellence in written and oral communication
• Relevant degree in agricultural Science and/or computer science and/or economics.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Knowledge and experience in finance.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Ranju Chapagain 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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