Strengthening Tasmanian beef through a resilient shipping industry

About the research project

This project aims to build resilient and productive cattle shipping practices across Tasmania by combining retrospective data analysis and prospective intervention trials to generate the first evidence base to inform industry best practice.

It brings together the entire value chain - producers, transporters, and processors - in a first-of-its-kind collaborative study of livestock shipping in Tasmania.

We will integrate two complementary approaches. First, more than 20 years of Flinders Island producer records will be paired with Bureau of Meteorology data, journey length and route information, and processing outcomes to identify the main vulnerabilities in current shipping systems. Second, prospective intervention trials on King and Flinders Islands will test practical improvements under real-world conditions.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Megan Verdon

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Industry grant of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000

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, international applicants will receive Single Overseas Health Cover (OSHC).

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 postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters) in animal science, agriculture, veterinary science or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience working with livestock, preferably cattle, in commercial or research settings
• Knowledge of animal behaviour, production systems and/or animal welfare
• Experience with data collection in field settings and an understanding of production environments
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work across industry and research contexts
• Capacity to work collaboratively with producers, processors and other industry stakeholders
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork, including travel to regional and island locations

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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with livestock systems, animal health, or applied agricultural research
• Willingness to undertake periodic on‑farm and field‑based research activities

Application process

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