Developing an Applied Decision-Support Framework for Planning, Evaluating, and Adopting Sustainable Urban Logistics Strategies in Regional Australia

About the research project

Increasing urbanisation, growth in e-commerce, changing consumer expectations, and technological and environmental transitions are reshaping the movement of goods within cities. Urban logistics provides the essential link between suppliers, businesses, and consumers, but also contributes to congestion, emissions, competition for urban space, and other environmental, social, and economic pressures. These challenges can be particularly significant in medium- and large-sized regional cities such as in Tasmania, where lower freight densities, dispersed development patterns, limited infrastructure, and more constraint investment capacity may constrain the adoption of solutions developed primarily for major metropolitan areas.

In this project, we aim to develop an applied framework to support the planning, evaluation, and adoption of sustainable urban-logistics strategies in regional Australia. It will examine current and emerging challenges, technologies, policy developments, and operational trends, and assess how these factors interact and may shape urban freight systems across different planning horizons.

The research will translate these insights into practical guidance for local government, industry, and other stakeholders. This may include assessing the suitability, timing, and implementation requirements of different interventions, identifying relevant policy and governance areas, and considering how measures can be adapted to different regional-city contexts. The resulting framework is intended to support context-sensitive and evidence-informed urban logistics decision making across regional Australia.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Seyed Mehdi Zahraei

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.

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 Bachelor’s degree with Honours, Master’s degree by Research, or equivalent qualification in logistics, freight transport, supply chain management, urban planning, local government, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and academic writing skills.
• High level communication skills and ability to engage with a range of project stakeholders. 

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with stakeholder interviews, surveys, workshops, or other forms of primary data collection.
• Familiarity with decision-support, systems analysis, foresight, multi-criteria analysis, or related analytical approaches.
• Professional experience in the logistics and transport related industries.

Application process

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