Estimating, communicating and conceptualising dementia risk

About the research project

This project will provide an accessible, meaningful tool for estimating dementia risk and promoting equitable dementia risk reduction. As understandings of dementia risk and protective factors advance, many tools have been developed to measure dementia risk. Some of these tools, including the Dementia Risk Profile (DRP) developed by the University of Tasmania’s Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, serve a dual purpose: risk measurement, and risk factor education to promote risk reducing behaviour. Other tools vary in their included risk factors, computational methods, and risk reduction messaging. Underlying these are different conceptualisations of dementia risk and how to mitigate it. 

Building on a review of the DRP among other existing instruments, this project will use quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the role of dual-purpose dementia risk profiling tools for risk estimation, risk education, and promoting risk-reducing behaviour change. Tool performance across these areas will be examined in diverse populations, with emphasis on those who experience disproportionate dementia risk. End-user needs, preferences, and experiences will also be explored. This will support refinement of the risk profiling tool based on diverse end-user needs and preferences, as well as emerging risk factor evidence. The result will be a theoretically supported and empirically useful risk profiling tool that successfully estimates dementia risk and communicates dementia risk information accurately, accessibly, and equitably across diverse populations. Directed by the successful applicants’ experience, community membership, and expertise, this project may include individualisation of risk-reduction messages; software development to improve user experiences; and/or co-design with a priority population experiencing disproportionate dementia risk, such as Indigenous peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This project will aim to provide a tool that promotes dementia risk reduction effectively among higher-risk populations, thereby increasing equity in dementia prevention.  

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Hannah Fair

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:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

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:

• Proficiency with a variety of research methods (mixed-methods and qualitative preferred) and demonstrated capacity to conduct independently-driven research.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Relevant prior experience e.g., public health, digital health promotion.

Application process

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