Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Cities across Australia are experiencing more intense heatwaves and droughts, which can negatively impact human wellbeing and the environment. Waterwise greening is one strategy that policy makers can implement towards building climate-resilient cities. 

Waterwise greening is a way of developing greenspaces that optimizes water use efficiency. This project will generate enhanced understandings of public preferences for, and management considerations of, waterwise greening that mitigates heat, improves air quality, and enhances biodiversity. Up to two PhD students may be recruited under the project.

The research program(s) will be designed with the successful candidate(s) to align with their research strengths and interests. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods may be used (e.g., non-market valuation, spatial analysis, benefit-cost analysis). The candidate(s) will also have the opportunity to collaborate with local and state governments partners. Potential areas of focus include: 

- Examining how waterwise greening can reduce costs of living, particularly in communities most vulnerable to climate-change impacts;

- Designing and testing behavioural economic interventions to encourage community participation in waterwise greening activities on private lands or public lands that are privately managed;

- Exploring relationships between wellbeing, development, tree canopy cover, and biodiversity metrics across suburbs of different ages;

- Investigating the feasibility and social acceptance of using alternative water sources for public open space irrigation; and

- Estimating the social, environment and economic benefits of water reuse schemes so that they can be compared with capital and operating costs.

The candidate(s) will contribute to research program under Dr Claire Doll’s Australian Research Council Early Career Industry Fellowship. The other member(s) of the supervisory team will be identified and selected based on the candidate’s preferred research focus. The candidate(s) will also benefit from an active and supportive network of students and researchers in the UWA Centre for Environmental Economics & Policy.

Applicants should apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship to cover tuition fees at UWA and living expenses: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/hdr-scholarships

The domestic scholarship round closes 31 October 2025. Please note that international students who have completed a degree at UWA are also entitled to apply in the Domestic round.

Project costs will be covered by the Australia Research Council and the UWA.

claire.doll@uwa.edu.au

Willingness to learn is a requirement. The candidate would benefit from having some applied economics training. Experience in non-market valuation would be an asset.

Apply via the UWA scholarship process: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/research/research-scholarships

Prior to applying, send an Expression of Interest via email to Dr. Claire Doll (claire.doll@uwa.edu.au). Please include the following attachments with the email:

(1) A cover letter outlining your interest in this PhD project and why you are a suitable candidate. You may like to include a description of: relevant past experience in research or industry, ideas about research objectives or methods related to the project scope, what you hope to achieve through your PhD.

(2) A CV.

(3) Transcripts of your existing degree(s), showing coursework unit and dissertation grades.

If you don't meet the admission requirements for the PhD program, please contact Dr. Claire Doll for potential Masters study.

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.