The Australia Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection is taking on the global challenge of transforming crop protection technology by delivering non-GM, non- toxic RNAi based fungicides for specific fungal diseases of crops. The Hub aims to develop and commercialise an innovative biological alternative to chemical fungicides targeting economically significant diseases of broadacre and horticultural crops. It addresses industry challenges of fungicide resistance, chemical residues in food, off-target effects and environmental harm.

The Australia-centric and globally relevant multidisciplinary Sustainable Crop Protection Hub will bring RNA-based bio-pesticides to agriculture, resulting in reduced chemical inputs, increased crop productivity, green credentials, sustainability, market access and capacity building, all of which will contribute to a more profitable and competitive food and agribusiness sector.

This project will focus on exploring the social license and consumer acceptance considerations of Bioclay being developed by the Hub. It includes exploring the perceptions of key stakeholders (i.e. advocacy groups, consumers, growers) and other impacted communities using a mixed methods research approach which may include semi-structured interviews, multi-stakeholder surveys and workshops. Knowledge and experience in employing these methods and stakeholder engagement along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills will be important.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

This scholarship provides a living stipend of $35,000.00 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time studies, for up to a maximum of 3 years.

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Any HDR student with a background in social science research methods and an interest in the integration of science and technology in society including matters related to governance and agriculture should apply.

• Related degrees in social science, governance and/or agriculture.
  
• Advanced knowledge in qualitative and quantitative social research methods.
  
• Full time enrolment.

All interested students should contact us via the EOI form.

As per Curtin HDR requirements

Professor Peta Ashworth; Email: peta.ashworth@curtin.edu.au or Mobile:0409 929 981

This is an ARC funded PhD through the Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection is taking on the global challenge of transforming crop protection technology by delivering non-GM, non- toxic RNAi based fungicides for specific fungal diseases of crops. The Hub aims to develop and commercialise an innovative biological alternative to chemical fungicides targeting economically significant diseases of broadacre and horticultural crops. It addresses industry challenges of fungicide resistance, chemical residues in food, off-target effects and environmental harm.