Agriculture is one of the world's largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions — and achieving net-zero targets requires more than new technology. It requires social transformation, better communication, and systems that actually support farmers through change. These two fully funded PhD opportunities at the University of Western Australia are built around exactly that challenge.
Both projects are embedded within research funded by the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre, bringing together leading researchers, institutions, and industry stakeholders to accelerate sustainable agricultural transitions.
PhD Opportunity 1: Co-Creating Communication Approaches for Emissions Reduction
This doctoral project explores how communication strategies can be redesigned to better support farmers in adopting low-emission practices. Supervised by leading researchers including Dr Heather Bray, the project places strong emphasis on collaboration, participatory research, and real-world impact — within a Living Laboratory environment.
Research Focus
🔍 Analysing existing communication frameworks used in agriculture
🧠 Understanding how beliefs, attitudes, and trust influence adoption
🌍 Identifying socio-cultural barriers to effective communication
🤝 Co-designing innovative communication strategies with producers
📢 Collaborating with industry bodies to streamline messaging
Research Objectives
🎯 Evaluate current communication networks and systems
🎯 Identify social and cultural dynamics shaping communication
🎯 Develop and test new communication approaches for emissions reduction
Funding
💵 Stipend: AUD $38,110 per year
📋 Application link: https://researchdegrees.uwa.edu.au/scholarships/1x95w5/co-creating-communication-approaches-to-support-emissions-reduction-in-agriculture
PhD Opportunity 2: Supporting Farm-Level Change and Adoption
The second PhD focuses on strengthening the systems and networks that enable farmers to adopt and sustain low-emission practices — examining what happens after change begins and ensuring long-term success and scalability.
Research Focus
🔍 Studying support systems that help farmers maintain sustainable practices
🔗 Analysing the role of supply chains, institutions, and service providers
🕳️ Identifying gaps in the agricultural enabling environment
🛠️ Designing interventions that support long-term behavioural change
Research Objectives
🎯 Evaluate existing support networks and institutional frameworks
🎯 Develop strategies to improve adoption and diffusion of innovations
🎯 Identify investments and policy changes needed for scaling solutions
Funding
💵 Top-Up Scholarship: AUD $10,000 per year — in addition to a base scholarship (e.g., RTP)
📋 Application link: https://researchdegrees.uwa.edu.au/scholarships/1x95w6/supporting-farm-level-change
Eligibility
🔹 A completed Honours or Master's degree in a relevant field
🔹 Strong background in independent research — thesis required
🔹 Experience in participatory or qualitative research methods
🔹 Knowledge of agricultural systems and/or science communication
🔹 Fluency in English
🔹 For international applicants: Minimum CGPA of 3.9 (approximately 85% average)
⚠️ Applications that do not meet the criteria or fail to include all required documents will not be considered.
Location & Study Requirements
📍 Candidates must be based in Perth for the duration of the programme
🚜 Fieldwork conducted across Western Australia and Victoria
🤝 Direct engagement with agricultural communities and stakeholders
How to Apply
📝 Follow the official PhD application guidelines from the University of Western Australia
📁 Prepare the following documents:
🎓 Academic transcripts — minimum 80% thesis grade, 85% average
📄 CV highlighting relevant experience
✍️ Statement of motivation — maximum 1 page
📋 Details of previous research — thesis title and grades
📧 Contact Professor Marit Kragt via email with all required materials
Activity Details
📅 Opening Date: 01 April 2026
📍 Location: Perth, Australia
🎓 Institution: University of Western Australia
Deadline
⏰ 31 May 2026
Apply & More Information
📋 PhD 1 Application: https://researchdegrees.uwa.edu.au/scholarships/1x95w5/co-creating-communication-approaches-to-support-emissions-reduction-in-agriculture
📋 PhD 2 Application: https://researchdegrees.uwa.edu.au/scholarships/1x95w6/supporting-farm-level-change
