Each project is based in Hobart, Australia — a hub for ecological research and climate innovation.

1. PhD in Tree Physiology: Discovering the Character of Trees

This project investigates how iconic Tasmanian trees manage gas exchange and water use under a changing climate. You’ll utilize advanced sensor technologies to study species like the world’s tallest flowering plant and ancient conifers.

• Annual Stipend: AUD $33,511 + relocation support
• Location: Hobart, Australia
• Ideal Candidate: Background in plant hydraulics, water relations, and fieldwork experience
• Deadline to Apply: 1 October 2025

Apply now to explore the future of forest ecology.

2. Land Cover & Fire Regimes: Environmental Change Since Settlement

Explore how land use changes and fire patterns have reshaped Tasmania’s environment since British colonization. This project uses GIS, historical mapping, and fire modeling to assess bushfire risks and ecological transformations near Hobart.

• Scholarship: Up to AUD $39,225/year (base + top-up)
• Skills Required: GIS, ecology, data analysis, field surveys
• Supervision: Prof. David Bowman, ARC Laureate Fellow
• Deadline to Apply: 1 August 2025

Perfect for candidates interested in bushfire ecology and landscape analysis.

3. PhD in Plant Stress Adaptation: Coping with Climate Extremes

Delve into how native plants respond to heat and drought stress. This PhD project focuses on life history traits and experimental climate trials to understand resilience in both wild and crop species.

• Stipend: AUD $33,511 per year
• Research Focus: Plant physiology, drought/heat stress adaptation
• Location: On-campus in Hobart
• Deadline to Apply: 1 August 2025

Contribute to building climate-resilient ecosystems.

4. Modelling Wildlife-Plantation Interactions with AI

Support sustainable forestry by developing AI-driven models to predict the impact of native herbivores (like wallabies) on plantations. You’ll work with drones, camera traps, machine learning, GIS, and R/Python.

• Annual Funding: AUD $33,511
• Key Skills: Remote sensing, spatial ecology, AI tools
• Industry Link: Direct collaboration with forestry stakeholders
• Deadline to Apply: 1 August 2025

A great opportunity for tech-savvy ecologists and environmental data scientists.

5. Ecology of Freshwater Climate Refugia

Research alpine tarns and underground freshwater ecosystems, which act as climate refuges for endangered cold-water species. The project examines food webs, carbon cycles, and species’ climate resilience.

• Scholarship Amount: AUD $33,511 per year
• Essential Skills: Field research, ecological modeling, R or Python
• Supervisors: Dr. Jia-Huan Liew & A/Prof Leon Barmuta
• Deadline to Apply: 1 October 2025

Ideal for freshwater ecologists and biodiversity researchers.

Why Choose the University of Tasmania?

The University of Tasmania is internationally recognized for its climate science, biodiversity research, and commitment to sustainability. All projects are on-campus in Hobart, which offers access to pristine ecosystems and industry partners.

Each fully funded scholarship includes:

• A tax-free stipend of up to AUD $39,225/year
• 3.5 years of funding
• Full tuition fee waivers for international students
• Relocation allowance

How to Apply

• Contact the relevant supervisor listed for each project
• Prepare a signed supervisory support form, CV with referees, and a research proposal
• Check individual project deadlines:
  • 1 August 2025 for Projects 2, 3, and 4
  • 1 October 2025 for Projects 1 and 5

Apply early to secure your spot in one of Australia’s most impactful environmental PhD programs.

Start your fully funded PhD journey in Environmental Science at the University of Tasmania — where your research can make a real difference for the planet.