University of Melbourne Accessibility and Exposure to Biodiversity Scholarship 2026

This project focuses on understanding the factors that influence accessibility and exposure to biodiversity (and the wellbeing benefits biodiversity provides) among underprivileged communities in cities. The work will be based in Melbourne and combine social, ecological and spatial methods to identify the current state of biodiversity accessibility and exposure among underprivileged communities, as well as solutions and barriers to improving exposure and accessibility.

While the student will be encouraged develop and pursue their own research ideas, general aims of this project include:

• Explore existing literature and identify the socio-economic variables most commonly associated with biodiversity accessibility among urban residents
• Quantify the spatial relationship between different socio-economic variables and accessibility to biodiverse hotspots within cities
• Identify perceived value and knowledge of urban biodiversity among underprivileged communities
• Identify accessibility to biodiverse spaces among underprivileged communities and the main barriers to accessibility.
• Identify approaches to create more equitable accessibility to biodiversity in cities.

This project would suit a student interested in environmental social science, urban ecology and/or urban geography, particularly those interested in conducting a mixed method approach that incorporates quantitative data analysis and qualitative survey methods.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 14, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Melbourne
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyUniversity of Melbourne
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The successful applicant will be given support and guidance to apply for a RTP PhD scholarship ($39,500 per year stipend + fee offset, 3.5 years) at the University of Melbourne.
• The expected start date is early 2027.

The applicant will be supervised by Dr Marie Dade (School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences) and Professor Ilan Wiesel (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science).

Anticipated project start date - Mon Feb 01 2027

Requirements

• A master’s degree (including a research component) or a first-class honours degree (with thesis) in ecology, urban geography, social science or a related field
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Comfortable working with a wide range of community members from diverse backgrounds

Selection criteria (desirable)

• Experience in either quantitative or qualitative survey methods
• Experience in spatial mapping methods that incorporate social and ecological data
• Evidence of publishing in peer reviewed journals.

Application Documents

• A one-page cover letter stating research interests and responses to the criteria listed above.
• A CV, including academic transcripts or equivalent results

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Interested applicants should email Dr. Marie Dade ([email protected]) by 14th August 2026 with the following documents:

• A one-page cover letter stating research interests and responses to the criteria listed above.
• A CV, including academic transcripts or equivalent results

For more information, kindly visit University of Melbourne scholarship webpage.