Border Security: Managing a Shared Responsibility Approach to Biosecurity at the Frontline

About the research project

Shared responsibility has become an increasingly important approach to biosecurity governance in Australia. However, its implementation continues to be a challenge in practice. While a growing body of research has identified why these challenges exist and how they might be addressed, the emphasis is primarily on the sharing of responsibility among actors and agencies operating at a post-border scale of governance. Little is known about how shared responsibility is operationalised by those working in biosecurity surveillance at the frontline of Australia’s biosecurity system, its borders. 

This project will investigate how those working in border biosecurity – at ports and airports – interpret their roles, responsibilities, and everyday practices. This includes investigating:

• how border biosecurity personnel understand their role as part of a shared responsibility approach,
• the ways in which they work with and collaborate with others,
• the forms of expertise, skill, and judgement used in making decisions,
• the challenges they face as part of their role, and how they navigate, work with or work around these to reach outcomes that are judged to be legitimate and credible.

The project is expected to generate rich insights into the everyday experiences and practices of border biosecurity personnel that will help inform government policy and decision-making on the allocation of resources, the identification of training needs, and where and how to best focus surveillance efforts. More broadly, in an environment of diminished public resourcing combined with the growing pest and disease threats posed by climate change and growing trade, travel and tourism, this project will provide knowledge that is critical in helping to safeguard Australia’s future food security and biodiversity.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Vaughan Higgins

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)

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:

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:

• Undergraduate degree in sociology, human geography, social anthropology, organisation studies, or a related social-science discipline.
• Qualitative research and data analysis skills.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Previous experience in conducting research interviews.

Application process

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