Personal Insights of Multiple Sclerosis

About the research project

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition. MS-related impacts can prompt changes across people's personal and professional lives, which in-turn can result in poor mental health and wellbeing. Understanding the experiences of living with MS, including the unique challenges that MS-related impacts can cause, is needed to inform the development of suitable supports and interventions to improve the lives of those living with MS. Importantly, gaining first-person insights into the challenges faced across different life domains, such as at work, at home, and socially with friends, can help identify areas that may have previously been overlooked. This project will build on existing knowledge to gain a more in-depth understanding of how MS impacts the lives of those living with the condition, to then identify areas that require additional support and targeted resources and/or interventions. 

The project includes four studies:

Study 1 will employ semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights into the day-to-day challenges people with MS face. Results from this study will be used to identify what aspects of adjustment post-diagnosis require the provision of additional support and resources. 

Study 2 will involve a systematic review to identify preexisting interventions and resources available based on those areas of need identified in Study 1. 

Study 3 will co-design a tailored community facing resource based on the needs and identified gaps from Studies 1-2. This resource will prioritise the inclusion of lived experience voice in combination with relevant information and research. Structured feedback will be gathered from an expert advisory group using a Delphi survey approach. 

Study 4 will investigate the initial acceptability (in terms of consumer perspectives and engagement), feasibility (in terms of resource access and usability), and overall effectiveness (in terms of knowledge acquisition). This will involve a mixed methods approach to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative information.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Holly Emery

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

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:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in psychology, counselling, social work, or related field

Application process

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