Using pyroecophysiology to understand drivers of Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) flammability during drought progression

About the research project

Bushfires are a major Australian natural hazard. Climate change is increasing the duration and intensity of fire seasons causing more environmentally and economically destructive wildfires. Prolonged or ‘flash’ droughts are a key driver for this escalation in wildfire disaster. While it is understood that drought causes living plants to switch from a non-flammable to a flammable state, it not known whether certain populations or individuals within species become flammable earlier than others during drought progression. This information about potentially “high risk” populations or individuals would substantially increase the reliability of bushfire risk assessment.

Populations of the widely planted timber species Eucalyptus globulus are known to be highly variable in morphology and leaf chemistry and to have distinctly different ecophysiological tolerance to drought. Decades of research has revealed that much of this morphological, chemical and physiological variation is under genetic control. This study will be based on sampling established provenance trials of E. globulus populations from across its range in Tasmania. Changes in leaf flammability during drought progression will be analysed using a purpose-built laboratory and advanced eco-physiological techniques. The study findings will enable ranking of the importance of genetics in influencing plant flammability, thereby resolving a fundamental debate in fire ecology, and improve models of how landscape fire risk changes in response to drought cycles.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor David Bowman

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with ARC 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.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a Australian Research Council Laureate top-up scholarship of $5,714 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from ARC Laureate .

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:

• A First-Class Honours (or equivalent Masters by research) degree.
• Excellent English communication skills, demonstrated by the production of a high-quality thesis or published manuscript. 
• 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:

• A strong research background in plant ecophysiology demonstrated by a publication record or a high-quality Master or Honours thesis.
• Experience working in a laboratory and in field settings.
• Ability to help in the day-to-day supervision of volunteers and research associates implementing the field programs.
• Basic statistical knowledge and willingness to achieve a high-level of competence (with support) using statistical programs such as R.
• Excellent written and verbal English and scientific communication skills.
• A current driver’s license valid in Australia.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in fire ecology
• Ability to use a diverse array of laboratory equipment and software

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor David Bowman 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 15 January 2027.

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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