THE OPPORTUNITY

In the face of escalating climate and environmental crises, research in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), is more critical than ever. HASS disciplines offer the tools to understand the human dimensions of environmental and climate change – our values, cultures, politics, histories, health, communications, geographies, policies and institutions. Our researchers are helping to: unpack the social and ethical complexities of climate action; support adaptation and resilience efforts; amplify Indigenous and community voices; and shape policies that are not only effective, but just and inclusive. By bridging knowledge systems and fostering creative public engagement, HASS research plays a vital role in driving transformative change toward a sustainable and equitable future.

Monash Arts is currently offering up to five PhD scholarships. These scholarships will be awarded to competitive applicants who are interested in advancing research in tackling the contemporary and future challenges associated with climate and environmental change. We have a number of excellent research projects underway where we are looking to align PhD research projects: from creative climate futures and communicating climate transitions, to environmental humanities research and the geographies of emerging climate economies. Below are suggested project titles proposed by internationally recognised scholars who wish to expand their research teams in these areas.

• Consulting Geographies: the growing climate economy in Australia (Dr Svenja Keele)
• Communicating Data to Advance Community and Ecological Wellbeing (Prof. Libby Lester)
• Making Futures Together: Designing and Testing Creative Methods to Build Imaginative Agency for Climate Action (Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones)
• National Climate Action Survey: Exploring Climate Futures (Prof. Libby Lester)
• Climate Crisis & an Injunction to Care: Exploring Shifts in Disaster Reportage (Dr Deb Anderson)
• From Eco-Anxiety to Collective Action: Youth-Led Climate Communication through Slow Creative Methods (Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones)
• Environmental Histories of the Southern Ocean (Dr Rohan Howitt)
• Data, Discourse and Disinformation: The Power of Climate Communications (Prof. Libby Lester)
• Subterranean Cities in the Asia-Pacific: An Environmental History (Dr Samson Lim)
• Relational Worlds: Storymaking Approaches to Climate Adaptation and Shifting Systems (Prof. Stacy Holman-Jones)
• Sonic Vocabularies: Artistic Methods for Climate Communication Through Music’ (Dr Louise Devenish)
• Environmentalism as a Gendered Practice: How Women Construct ‘Green Identities’ on Social Media (Dr Deb Anderson)

If successful, you will join Australia’s largest University, which has six globally networked campuses and international alliances across Asia and Europe. The applicant will be based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne and will have access to international mobility grants, professional development training and opportunities for industry engagement. Monash Arts is a diverse and vibrant faculty which advances disciplinary, multi- and inter-disciplinary research that operates at a multitude of scales – from the individual, to communities, societies, regions, nations and international. Monash Arts has a deep, supportive and vibrant research culture, led by internationally recognised scholars who attract national and international competitive funding and actively work towards creating a strong research community.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds in the humanities, arts, and social sciences who are committed to addressing environmental and climate challenges in innovative and socially meaningful ways.
The selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (in a cognate field) with evidence of a significant research component, and with first-class Honours/H1 awarded. Details of eligibility requirements, including English-language proficiency skills, to undertake a PhD in the Faculty of Arts are available at
https://arts.monash.edu/graduate-research/application-process/.
Applicants should ensure they familiarise themselves with these requirements before deciding whether to apply.
Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on-campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.
The successful applicant will be expected to enroll by no later than 30 January 2026. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Your expression of interest shall comprise:

• A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability/research preparedness
• A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that (i) fits within the scope of this call for research, (ii) aligns, where feasible, with one of the proposed topics, and (iii) demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV), including a list of any professional research experience, published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience (aligned to the proposed topic of research).
• A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
• English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
• Names and contact details of 2 academic referees

Once you have discussed your EOI with a named supervisor, please submit your Expression of Interest Form and indicate that you are applying for a “PhD Scholarship in Climate and/or Environmental Change scheme”.
Application Close: Monday 29 September 2025, 11:55 pm AEST

Please refer the Job description for details