Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Project context

This PhD project is embedded within an overarching project, funded by the Australian Research Council, aimed at valuing Australia's surfing resources as cultural ecosystem services and integrating these values into sustainable coastal management frameworks. The overarching project is an Early Career Fellowship led by Dr Ana Manero and carried out in partnership with Surfing Western Australia, the state governing body for the sport.

Project overview

Recreational surfing is an important cultural ecosystem service, contributing over $2.7 billion annually to the Australian economy while supporting physical, mental, and social well-being. However, the integrity of surfing resources is increasingly threatened by coastal hazards, which can degrade wave quality and, consequently, the resulting socio-economic and health benefits.

The overarching aim of this PhD research is to address the current knowledge gap regarding the health and wellbeing values derived from surfing resources in Australia. This information is aimed at supporting the development of planning and management frameworks that integrate surfing resources as valuable coastal assets. 

This research project aligns with the objectives of the UN Ocean Decade 2021-2030, and will provide a foundation for future research in other coastal regions in Australia and globally. 

PhD Research objectives

The PhD research will focus on mental health and wellbeing, integrated into environmental economics and management frameworks. Specific research questions can be tailored depending on the interests and skills of the successful candidate. Broadly, this program of research will aim to:

• Understand the relationship between surfing participation and mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Understand the role of surfing in promoting social cohesion and community resilience in coastal regions affected by coastal hazards.

• Evaluate the impact of health promotion initiatives for individuals, organisations, and the community involved in surfing.

Funding for this PhD will be provided by UWA, under the Australian Research Council Early Career Industry Fellowship 'Valuing Australia's surfing resources for sustainable coastal management'.

See details about the scholarship opportunity here.

An annual stipend of A$35,000 will be provided, increasing to A$37,000 in subsequent years. UWA will also provide $1,500 per year to support PhD-related activities. UWA will also supply a laptop for the candidate.  

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for additional 'top-up' scholarships.

Prospective candidates are asked to send an email to the lead researcher, Dr Ana Manero (ana.maneroruiz@uwa.edu.au), including:

(1) CV highlighting academic and professional history in relation to the project requirements

(2) A brief letter outlining your motivations to conduct this PhD project, your suitability for the position and your particular ideas to develop your unique research question, within the framework of the proposed project. 

Prospective students are kindly asked to carefully read admission requirements and funding conditions before contacting the lead researcher. 

Start in early-mid 2025. Duration 3 years

Specific requirements

(1) International & Australian candidates must fulfil all admission requirements at UWA PhD Program. These include, among others, sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research. This means that your Bachelor's or Master's degree must have included a research component, typically in the form of a thesis. See UWA HDR admission policy here. 

(2) Candidates must be willing to be based in Perth, WA, for the duration of the PhD project; and travel, as required, to conduct fieldwork across Western Australia.

(3) Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods will be highly valued. An understanding of coastal process, including ocean-based recreation, is desirable, but not essential. 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.