Impact of Environment on Children

About the research project

This study investigates how environmental exposures in early life affect children's health outcomes. It focuses on air pollution—both from extreme events like the Hazelwood mine fire and from ongoing ambient sources—as well as the potential protective effects of green (vegetation) and blue (water) spaces.

This research will utilize a small, well-characterized cohort with comprehensive health and environmental data available to the team. Additionally, linked datasets—including geographic, air pollution, and medical records—will be integrated to examine how varying types and timing of environmental exposures impact children's long-term physical and mental health.

You will be supervised by a team of experts in environmental health as well as epidemiology.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Lieke Scheepers

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:

• Domestic and International students are encouraged to apply

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:

• Advanced understanding in statistics and experience in using statistical software R
• Interest in environmental health 
• Good written and oral skills

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in conducting life course epidemiology in a field of environmental health

Application process

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