Timber in Transition: understanding the industry and material implications of Australia’s changing hardwood resource base

About the research project

The Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) at the University of Tasmania invites applications for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) project examining how changes in Australia's native hardwood resource base are reshaping regional timber industries, communities, and the future use of timber in the built environment. This PhD forms part of the Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) project Supporting Industry Resilience in Resource Transition and contributes to research on sustainable timber futures, climate-responsive construction, and resilient regional economies.

The cessation of commercial scale state-owned native forest harvesting in WA and Victoria, and smaller-scale restrictions such as those that followed the Tasmanian Forest Agreements in 2013, represent a significant shift in Australia’s forest management and timber supply landscape. As industries, communities, and governments respond to these changes, important questions emerge regarding future timber availability, manufacturing capability, workforce skills, regional resilience, and sustainable building practices.

Rather than assuming specific impacts, the research may investigate: 

• How policies to end native forest harvesting are reshaping timber supply, processing capacity, skills, and infrastructure 
• How stakeholders are navigating transition, adaptation, and uncertainty 
• How changes in hardwood availability and characteristics may affect material selection, design practice, and construction resilience 
• How socio-economic conditions are changing in regions historically connected to native forestry 
• What constraints and opportunities for innovation are emerging within the timber industry and design

The project recognises that transitions of this nature can give rise to a range of intended and unintended consequences, and aims to contribute clarity and nuance to forecasts for other states or territories facing similar restrictions.  

This PhD sits at the intersection of forestry and environmental policy, place-based transition studies, regional development, architecture, and material systems research. Consistent with CSAW’s interdisciplinary focus on sustainable timber futures and industry-connected research, the project explores how changing resources affect the industries, communities, and supply chains that underpin the use of timber in the built environment.

The successful candidate will work with the supervisory team to develop an appropriate research approach, which may include case studies of regions, enterprises or supply chains; stakeholder interviews; document and policy analysis; industry engagement; or other qualitative and mixed-method approaches.

Reflecting CSAW’s strong track record of industry-engaged research, the project will involve engagement with timber processors, manufacturers, designers, policymakers, and regional stakeholders. There is also an opportunity to undertake a three-month industry internship, to complement the research program and build practical skills in the field.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Kyra Wood

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend co-funded with Australian Forest and Wood Innovations 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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must meet University of Tasmania PhD entry requirements.
• English language score must be above the minimum entry requirements for this project

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 First Class or Upper Second Class Honours, or equivalent; or 
• A Master’s degree with a substantive research component 
• A background in architecture, built environment, forestry, sustainability, social science, economics, or a related field 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• An interest in socio‑economic change, ethical dimensions of environmental decision‑making, or industry transition 
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills 
• Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds, industry, policy, or regional experience are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Application process

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