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 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 supporting networks, trust, and institutional factors influence the adoption of low-emission practices and technologies.

Through participatory research in a ‘Living Laboratory’, you will investigate what for ‘post-adoption’ support primary producers may need to sustain practice change. Which supply chain actors and service providers play a role in supporting change, and what do those actors need to enhance that supporting environment? The work will identify gaps in the enabling environment; build capacity; and help design interventions that facilitate Net Zero transitions in the agricultural sector.

Research objectives

1.        Evaluate current networks that support agricultural transition in Australia, and identify weaknesses in institutions, knowledge, delivery.

2.        Identify and trial approaches that support adoption and diffusion of on-farm change.

3.        Identify what investment and institutional changes may be required to facilitate scaling of zero-net emission solutions.

(1) To be eligible for this top-up scholarship, the candidate must have secured a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or similar.

(2) International & Australian candidates must fulfill 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.

(3) 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.

(4) Proficiency in qualitative research methods, and knowledge of agricultural extension. 

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

This top-up opportunity is only available to candidates who have secured a base scholarship.

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 (an average grade of 85%).

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 

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.