An interdisciplinary investigation into trauma-informed design for community-based youth services

About the research project

Trauma-informed design positions the built environment as a key factor in supporting the emotional, psychological and physiological wellbeing of people impacted by trauma. Although related to a substantial body of research linking architecture and health, as a nascent field of inquiry, it remains empirically and conceptually underdeveloped with design guidance characterised by broad principles and generalisations across populations.

This project addresses two central priorities to advance understanding of trauma-informed design. First, it is grounded in interdisciplinary inquiry at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, providing a critical lens to explore and interrogate claims within trauma-informed design discourse. Second, it focuses on young people (aged 15-24) as a priority population. Although childhood trauma is associated with significant health and wellbeing impacts across the lifespan, the lived experience of young people is rarely centred in research.

The research design will position young people as co-contributors to the research and employ relevant participatory and creative research methods to support their engagement. Research design will need to consider complex ethical concerns including informed consent, child safeguarding, and protection of privacy. Applicants will need to demonstrate their capacity to work with vulnerable populations and willingness to undertake trauma-informed practice training as required.

This project is supported by an interdisciplinary team with expertise across architecture, trauma, neuroscience and child and youth wellbeing. The team also brings substantial community sector experience across frontline services including youth homelessness, domestic and family violence, and crisis accommodation.

The project will include an internship with a relevant community service organisation working with young people to facilitate understanding and exploration of the intersection between the design of the built environment and service delivery. Internship opportunities will be developed in consultation with potential candidates in relation to project proposals. Within the context of community-based youth services, applicants can propose areas of specific interest, for example crisis and transitional accommodation services, health and mental health services or integrated service hubs.

There will be opportunities and expectations for co-publishing, and the communication of findings for academic, practice and policy audiences. It is expected that this research will lead to the development of translational outcomes such as guidelines or frameworks to inform the design of physical environments for young people impacted by trauma.

Please reach out to the Primary Supervisor listed to discuss project proposals and relevant experience.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Ceridwen Owen

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:

• An academic background in either architecture/built environment or psychology/neuroscience together with demonstrated experience through study, research, or professional practice in the other field.
• Experience in qualitative research design.
• Capability to engage with vulnerable populations, particularly young people and people impacted by trauma.
• Eligibility to hold and maintain all required clearances for undertaking research with vulnerable populations including a current Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration and National Police Check, or the ability to obtain these before commencing fieldwork.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience working with vulnerable populations and in research governance for young people.
• Knowledge of participatory and creative research methods.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Ceridwen Owen 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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