University of Newcastle PhD Scholarship in Media Representation & Public Perception of RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics 2026

This project will examine how RNA vaccines and therapeutics have been portrayed in Australian media and how these messages shape public understanding, trust, and attitudes.

The candidate will analyse major media coverage over the past decade alongside survey?based insights from Australian publics to understand how communication, context, and local factors influence perceptions of RNA?based science. The project provides an opportunity to work at the interface of strategic communication, sociology, public health messaging, and digital media analysis, supported by a supervisory team with expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed?methods research approaches.

This scholarship is aligned with the NSW RNA Research & Training Network (NSW?RRTN), a NSW Government–supported collaborative initiative uniting 12 universities and research institutes to build research, training, and workforce capability in RNA science and technology.

By joining this project, the candidate becomes part of a multidisciplinary team contributing to Australia’s expanding RNA ecosystem, including access to NSW?RRTN training, networking, and strategic capability?building initiatives.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Newcastle
• City to studyNew South Wales
• School to studyUniversity of Newcastle
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Funding: $38,938 per annum (2026 rate) indexed annually.
• For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years.
• Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree with Honours (Class I or II Division I) or equivalent in communication, media studies, sociology, public health, psychology, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods, survey design, or media analysis is advantageous. 
• The applicant will need to meet the minimum?eligibility criteria?for admission.

Application Documents

• Scanned copies of their academic transcripts
• CV
• A brief statement of their research interests
• A proposal that specifically links them to the research project.

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 send an email expressing their interest along with the Application documents to [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit the University of Newcastle scholarship webpage.