Using pyroecophysiology to determine when living plants become wildfire fuel during drought progression

About the research project

Bushfires are a major Australian natural hazard. Climate change is increasing the duration and intensity of fire seasons causing more environmentally and economically destructive wildfires. Prolonged or ‘flash’ droughts are a key driver for this escalation in wildfire disaster. While it is understood that drought causes living plants to switch from a non-flammable to a flammable state, current assessments of landscape fire risk are unable to include this critical factor. By identifying exactly when water stress renders plants available to burn, we will substantially increase the reliability of bushfire risk assessment. 

The amount of water in plant biomass affects wildland fuel flammability and is directly related to bushfire ignition, severity, and spread potential. Dead fuel moisture content is comparatively straightforward to determine since it is coupled to atmospheric humidity, however the interaction between live fuel moisture content (i.e. plant water stress) and flammability is not well understood. This project will refine current risk assessments of landscape fire danger by identifying exactly when living plants become wildfire fuel during drought progression. The project will use a purpose built laboratory and apply advanced ecophysiological techniques to determine how drought stress influences plant flammability. The study will involve a range of different species from fire adapted (eucalypt forest) and sensitive communities (temperate rainforest). The project will explore how various physiological, physical and chemical leaf traits (such as xylem vulnerability to embolism, leaf shape and foliar secondary compound content) affect the interaction between drought stress and flammability. Such knowledge is of profound importance in understanding plant flammability and illuminating whether plants specifically evolved to burn or if flammability is an “exaptation” (flammable traits under other natural selection pressures such as drought tolerance and herbivore defence).

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor David Bowman

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which 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.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a David Bowman’s ARC Laureate top-up scholarship of $5,714 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from David Bowman’s ARC Laureate.

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:

• A First-Class Honours (or equivalent Masters by research) degree.
• Excellent English communication skills, demonstrated by the production of a high-quality thesis or published manuscript. 
• 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:

• A strong research background in plant ecophysiology demonstrated by a publication record or a high-quality Master or Honours thesis.
• Experience working in a laboratory and in field settings.
• Ability to help in the day-to-day supervision of volunteers and research associates implementing the field programs.
• Basic statistical knowledge and willingness to achieve a high-level of competence (with support) using statistical programs such as R.
• Excellent written and verbal English and scientific communication skills.
• A current driver’s license valid in Australia.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in fire ecology
• Proven ability to use a diverse array of laboratory equipment and software

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor David Bowman 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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