Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Project overview

Farmers’ adoption of low-emission solutions is key to reach net zero agriculture. However, there are still many factors that hinder on-farm adoption.

This PhD, supervised by Dr Heather Bray, will be embedded in a research project funded through the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC. You will work with a national team of social scientists to investigate how communication, social contexts, trust, and involvement in designing solutions influence the adoption of low-emission practices and technologies.

Through participatory research in a ‘Living Laboratory’, you will evaluate the attitudes and beliefs related to emissions reduction held by different stakeholder groups within the agricultural sector and broader community, and how such varying attitudes present challenges to effective communication. You will work with producers to develop advice on how communication challenges can be addressed, collaborate with peak industry bodies (RDCs) to streamline communication, and co-create communication products for emissions reduction.

Research objectives

1.        Explore and evaluate current communication networks, frameworks, and approaches used within the enabling environment for emissions reduction

2.      Identify socio-cultural and other factors that influence the nature of communication within the enabling environment

3.     Develop and test alternate communication approaches that support emissions reduction

(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.

Prospective students must read the UWA HDR admission policy here before contacting the lead researcher.

(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 and Victoria.

(3) Experience with participatory research and science communication research methods.

(4) A completed Honours or Masters degree in a cognate background (Agricultural Extension, Science Communication, Rural Sociology, or Adoption).

Fluency in English and familiarity with Australian farming systems is required for effective engagement with project partners and stakeholders.

International students need a minimum CGPA of 3.9 to be considered.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade requirement or without cognate experience (see eligibility) will not receive a response.

Follow UWA's guidelines here.

Candidates who have secured a base scholarship may be considered for a top-up scholarship of $10k/yr through this opportunity. 

Prospective candidates should verify that they meet all requirements before sending an email to Professor Marit Kragt (marit.kragt@uwa.edu.au) with:

(1) The body text of the email should detail your previous education (degrees, thesis title, and cumulative weighted final grade);

(2) Attach your CV highlighting academic and professional history in relation to the project requirements;

(3) Attach your academic transcripts, demonstrating that your thesis has been evaluated at a minimum 80%, and -for international applicants- demonstrating an 85% weighted average;;

(4) Either in the email or as a separate attachment, outline (in no more than 1 page) your motivations to conduct this PhD project, your suitability for the position and your ideas to develop your unique research question, within the framework of the proposed project.

Emails that don't address the above will not be evaluated.