Child-led research to enhance health literacy related to children’s cardiovascular health

About the research project

Without intervention in childhood, at least 30% of the risk for adult cardiovascular disease (CVD) cannot be prevented. Recent evidence has shown that CVD risk factors in young people are significant, independent predictors of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in adulthood, overturning the idea that commencing prevention in mid-life is adequate. This is especially relevant in Australia, where unfavourable cardiovascular risk factors among young people are both common and increasing – conditions that are more prevalent in those experiencing social disadvantage. Tasmanian young people have some of the highest risk factors for CVD compared to other States/Territories across Australia (second to the Northern Territory). Added to this, Tasmania faces significant educational challenges, including low attainment, declining participation rates and increasing early childhood developmental vulnerability.

Health literacy is underutilised as a bridge between education and health. Research has demonstrated that explicit learning activities to develop a young person’s health literacy have a positive impact on school attendance, engagement and educational attainment. This project aims to empower young people to become informed and active participants in their own health journeys. The project involves child-led research which focuses on the children’s insights and experiences, encourages ownership, empowers children and aligns with the child’s right - mandated by the United Nations - to be heard, express their views freely in matters affecting them and for those views to be listened to and taken seriously.

Potential PhD projects may include      

1. Use child-led research to develop health literacy resources related to cardiovascular health for young people.
2. Evaluate the impact of the resources on health literacy related to cardiovascular health of young people.

There are a number of additional research questions that can be explored and projects can be shaped to meet the student’s interest.  

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Rachel Climie

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:

This PhD project will involve quantitative and qualitive research. Students will be expected to have some experience with both.

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 Doctor Rachel Climie 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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