Investigating the role of mindfulness training in neurodegenerative diseases

About the research project

Dementia and Parkinson’s disease are the most prevalent progressive neurological conditions globally, causing substantial disability, high healthcare costs, and significant impacts on patient and caregiver wellbeing. While no cures exist, advancing risk reduction, symptom management, and quality of life is a clear and present public health priority.

The University of Tasmania has invested in longitudinal infrastructure that enables high-impact, long-term health and medical research into neurodegenerative diseases. The Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases (ISLAND) and the Tasmanian Parkinson’s Project (TPP) each have 4000+ participants and provide deeply characterised cohort data spanning at-risk individuals, people with diagnoses, and caregivers. These platforms enable rigorous public health intervention research through strong baseline data, retention, and long-term follow-up.

Evidence published from the ISLAND study shows that trait mindfulness is a stable and positive psychological resource that supports health-related quality of life and appears protective against poor physical and mental health, and disease risk factors. Since trait mindfulness is a quality that can be developed through established training programs, it offers a promising target for public health intervention for people at risk of dementia, or living with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.

Building on research evidence showing beneficial effects of mindfulness training on brain function and Parkinson’s symptoms, this PhD program will use implementation science methods to test the appropriateness, effects and scalability of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course for supporting brain health and neurological disease management. The design of an online educational module on stress, mindfulness and neurological diseases is intended as a key output, to augment the content already available through the University of Tasmania’s Massive Open Online Courses about dementia, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Larissa Bartlett

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:

• Relevant experience that demonstrates a conceptual/theoretical understanding of the subject areas for this research (i.e. neurological diseases, mindfulness, stress, self-efficacy, health behaviours, non-pharmacological health interventions).
• Demonstrated high quality writing for and communicating with different audiences, including but not limited to academic.
• Understanding of common statistical modelling methods and experience using statistical software (preferably R).
• Confidence in stakeholder liaison and community engagement.
• Commitment to the ethical conduct of research, and inclusive engagement with consumers and people with lived experience in research.
• Ability to self-manage workloads and timelines for complex projects, including the use of appropriate administrative tools.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with or exposure to: mindfulness principles and practices; the neurobiology of stress; psychosocial determinants of health; contemporary models of behaviour change; psychological services and implementation science frameworks.

Application process

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