Beyond Glycaemic Control: GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors in Cardiometabolic Health

About the research project

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were first developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, emerging evidence demonstrates benefits extending to other interconnected metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. These medicines are increasingly being prescribed as cornerstone therapies for the management of cardiometabolic disease.

This PhD project will examine the real-world use of these two classes of medicines and their associated outcomes in Australia. The study will use large-scale linked general practice and hospital datasets to evaluate the transition of these therapies from diabetes-focused treatments to broader cardiometabolic disease and associated outcomes. The project specifically aims to: (1) characterise the national trends in prescribing and utilisation of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2i; (2) examine initiation, persistence, adherence, and switching in Australian patients; (3) identify sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that influence access to these medicines; (4) evaluate cadiovascular events, hospitalisations, mortality outcomes associated with use of GLP-1 RAs and SGLPT2i and disparity among vulnerable populations; (5) develop geospatial mapping that illustrates hot spots of cardiometabolic disease and suboptimal use of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2i across Tasmania; and (6) develop and implement practice and policy interventions to improve cardiometabolic health and optimal use of pharmacotherapy.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Woldesellassie Bezabhe

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:

• Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or medicine and previous research experience using health care data.

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:

• Advanced data curation and analysis skills demonstrated with high-quality publications.

Application process

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