Join a groundbreaking research initiative investigating how personal networks shape how people prepare for and respond to compound natural hazard risks. Consecutive disasters - such as sequential floods or cyclones followed by heavy rainfall - are becoming more frequent and disruptive as climate change intensifies. While infrastructure and early-warning systems are vital, people's personal networks - the informal and formal social ties that connect us - are among the most powerful, yet least understood, tools for building resilience.
Table of Content
Summary
Subscribe for Scholarship Alert!
Benefits
- The QUT scholarship provides a stipend of $40,000 per annum for a maximum duration of 3.5 years while undertaking a QUT PhD. The duration includes an extension of up to six months if approved for your candidature. This is the full-time, tax-exempt rate which will index annually.
- You will receive a tuition fee offset/sponsorship, covering the cost of your tuition fees for the first four full-time equivalent years of your doctoral studies.
- You will have the opportunity to work with leading national and international researchers – experts in social network theory, qualitative modelling, and resilience science.
- You will work within an interdisciplinary team, engage directly with communities, policymakers, and practitioners, and contribute to co-designed toolkits and guidelines that translate research into actionable strategies for resilience building.
Requirements
You must:
- meet the entry requirements for QUT's Doctor of Philosophy, including any English language requirements
- enrol as a full-time, internal student (unless approval for part-time and/or external study is obtained)
- commence your degree by 1 August 2026
- have a strong academic background in a relevant social science field (human geography, sociology, environmental social science, development studies, etc), sustainability science, or related fields
- demonstrate expertise in qualitative research methods
- demonstrate ability to ground research in relevant theory
- have excellent written and verbal communication skills
- have the ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
Highly desirable:
- Experience specifically working with network constructs, network data, and/or mental models.
- Experience conducting qualitative fieldwork, particularly interviews.
Selection Process
- Only applicants who are successful in the project selection process and formally notified will be invited to proceed with the university PhD application.
Application Documents
- Your CV
- Academic transcripts for all completed degrees
- Cover letter (two pages max) describing your interest in the project, the relevant skills and experience, and how your background aligns with theory-driven social network research on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
- A writing example (e.g. a thesis chapter, journal article, or substantial piece of academic writing) that demonstrates your analytical and theoretical capabilities.
Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026
Application Deadline
Not SpecifiedHow To Apply
- The first step is to email Dr Angela Guerrero detailing your academic and research background, your motivation to research in this field and interest in this scholarship. Include in your email the required Application documents.
- If supported to apply, you will then submit an expression of interest (EOI) following the advice at how to apply for a research degree.
- In your EOI, nominate Dr Angela Guerrero as your proposed principal supervisor, and copy the link to this scholarship web page into question two of the Financial Details section.
Note: appointment to the PhD position is conditional on the successful applicant meeting the admission requirements of, and being formally enrolled in, the relevant PhD program at QUT.
For more information, kindly visit the QUT Scholarship webpage.
