Freshwater ecosystem services under climate change

About the research project

Freshwater systems are essential to environmental sustainability, economic development, and human well‑being. Rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater systems provide critical services such as water security, water quality regulation, biodiversity support, climate regulation and cultural values. Climate change is increasingly reshaping these systems through altered rainfall patterns, changing flow regimes, rising temperatures and more frequent extreme events. Despite substantial advances in climate and freshwater science, there remains a gap between understanding biophysical impacts and translating this knowledge into decision‑relevant insights that inform adaptation, planning and policy.

This PhD project addresses this gap by exploring how climate change influences freshwater systems and the ecosystem services they provide, with an emphasis on relevance to policy and environmental decision‑making. The research adopts a high‑level, interdisciplinary approach that integrates hydrological, ecological and socio‑environmental perspectives. The project is designed to be flexible and conceptually driven, allowing the successful candidate to tailor the geographic scope, case studies and analytical approaches to their interests and expertise. Tasmania may be used as one illustrative case study, but the project is not limited to any single region.

The research will examine how climate‑driven changes in freshwater systems translate into implications for ecosystem service provision and societal benefits, and how these implications are currently (or insufficiently) reflected in water management and climate adaptation frameworks. Potential components include synthesising existing datasets, spatial analysis, scenario‑based assessments and engagement with policy or management contexts. Emphasis will be placed on identifying vulnerabilities, trade‑offs and opportunities for strengthening the resilience of freshwater systems under future climate conditions.

A central aim of the project is to move beyond impact assessment alone and contribute to solutions‑oriented thinking. The PhD will explore how scientific knowledge can better support adaptation strategies, ecosystem‑based water management and evidence‑informed policy, particularly in the context of growing climate uncertainty. By linking freshwater science to broader governance and planning challenges, the project responds directly to international calls for more integrated, policy‑relevant freshwater research.

Overall, this PhD offers an opportunity to undertake impactful research at the interface of climate change, freshwater systems and public decision‑making, contributing knowledge that is relevant across regions and scales.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Kathleen Beyer

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

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:

• Honours or Masters degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, ecology, hydrology, geography, climate science or related disciplines
• Strong interest in climate change and freshwater systems, including their relevance to society and management
• Ability to think critically and conceptually about complex environmental problems
• Good analytical skills and experience working with environmental or climate data
• Capacity to work independently and communicate research clearly in written and spoken English 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Background or interest in ecosystem services, climate adaptation or environmental policy
• Experience with data analysis, modelling, spatial analysis or synthesis of diverse information sources
• Familiarity with GIS or scenario‑based approaches
• Fieldwork experience in freshwater or aquatic systems
• Interest in interdisciplinary or applied research that informs decision‑making

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 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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