Innovation, Development and Commercialisation in Biomedicine and Health: Legal, Ethical and Social Issues

About the research project

Academic staff at the Centre for Law and Genetics (CLG) welcome proposals from potential RHD students for projects investigating issues in legal and ethical issues surrounding innovative development in biomedicine.

Established in 1994, the CLG has a proud history of research into many aspects of health law and ethics, genomic data sharing and regulation of medical innovation. The CLG is recognised internationally and CLG scholars have strong national and international collaborative networks. Publications by CLG scholars have been influential in law and policy reform. More information about the CLG is available at https://www.utas.edu.au/law-and-genetics

Topics that fall within the following broad areas will be considered for supervision:

• Issues arising in the context of genomic data sharing, including privacy law, discrimination, return of results, and institutional governance;

• The patent law implications of commercialisation of health research;

• Topics investigating regulatory aspects of research and development into innovative health technologies, including private law aspects (eg consumer law, tort law, property law), institutional governance and therapeutic goods

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Jane Nielsen

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.

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 Professor Jane Nielsen 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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