Tailoring Alcohol and Other Drug Health Promotion for Tasmanian Communities

About the research project

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is a major contributor to preventable health, social, and economic harm worldwide. In Australia, reducing AOD-related harms remains a key public health priority, with prevention and harm reduction central to national policy. Tasmania presents a unique setting in which to address these challenges due to its dispersed population, limited service access, and the inequities often experienced by regional communities. Effective health promotion is a critical component of harm reduction. However, educational messages are most impactful when they reflect the needs, experiences, and priorities of the populations they are intended to serve.

This PhD project offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to reducing alcohol and other drug (AOD) harms within Tasmania. Working in collaboration with the Drug Education Network (DEN), the candidate will investigate community needs, co-design targeted health promotion resources, and evaluate their effectiveness using mixed methods research. The project will generate evidence to inform more responsive and community-centred approaches to AOD health promotion, with the potential to shape policy and practice in Tasmania and provide insights applicable to regional communities across Australia.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Allison Matthews

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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Honours or Masters qualifications in psychology

Application process

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