HDR Scholarship - Embedding Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Applications now open. A PhD scholarship is available to initiate and conduct research on the topic 'Embedding Net Zero Carbon Emissions'.

Project Supervisor

Additional Supervision

Location

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Research topic

The “net zero” paradigm is remaking the world with far-reaching consequences for our future. Since 2020, more than 140 countries and 80% of the world’s largest public companies have promised to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or 2070. Australia’s federal, state and territory governments and almost 90% of ASX200 companies have committed to reach net zero by 2050 or earlier.

Our new ARC Discovery Project draws on anthropological, policy, and science and technology studies (STS) expertise to investigate how the contradictions of the net zero paradigm materialise in place, focusing on a site where its policies, economies and practices converge: northern Australia. Specifically, our research project aims to examine how people in northern Australia view the local, national, and global value of net zero and the embedding of the net zero paradigm in place through industrial infrastructures. Expected outcomes of this project include insights into how climate change policy agendas are evaluated at a local scale and therefore the potential challenges and opportunities faced by governments, industry, and others as they seek to realise net zero goals.

Project aim

As part of the “Embedding Net Zero Carbon Emissions in Northern Australia” ARC Discovery Project, we are recruiting a PhD candidate to conduct an ethnographic project centring on net zero in northern Australia. The research topic will be defined in collaboration with the recruited candidate and the project team, however the expectation is that the project would include a focus on renewable energy, oil and gas, and/or emissions abatement and how government policy is embedded and ennacted in place. The project would alos be expected to draw upon concepts and methodologies from the discipline of Anthropology and the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS).

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Saturday 20 September 2025

Benefits

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

  • Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
  • Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
  • International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

  • be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
  • meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
  • be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

How to apply

Please email a CV and cover letter to A/Prof Timothy Neale. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.

Contact us

For more information about this scholarship, please contact A/Prof Timothy Neale

A/Prof Timothy Neale
Email A/Prof Timothy Neale