Project Overview

Background: There is an abundance of studies that have demonstrated associations between climate-related exposures (notably temperature and air pollution) and health. Some inconsistency in findings from observational studies is inevitable due to differences in the study populations and levels of exposure. These differences have motivated researchers to conduct more studies. The consequence of this feedback is a burgeoning research effort that results in marginal gains and increases confusion. Policy-makers might interpret inconsistency in findings between studies as evidence that we are not certain whether a climate-related effect exists, when in fact we are relatively confident of harm, but we are not certain as to the magnitude of the harm. 

Method: The approach to undertake the proposed analysis was developed at Curtin. See: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(4), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042036

Aims

The aim of this project is to establish the stability of associations between climate-related exposures and health as they have been published over time. Or stated another way, to assess what it would take for a new study to change our decision-making. The hypothesis of this study is that we already know enough about the effects of climate change on health to act.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to quantitatively synthesise the existing literature on the effects climate-related exposure on health, to establish the stability of that evidence, and to identify the exposures and health outcomes that currently warrant priority attention.

Significance 

The significance of this project is that it will help provide a quantitative indication as to when it is sufficient to change from conducting more research to intervention, thereby reducing associated mortality and morbidity at the population level.

All resources for this project (i.e. data and computers) have already been acquired and are available via an NHMRC Investigator Grant awarded to the primary supervisor. The team has already published a study on the methods that are to be used in the study. The study falls within the Planet pillar of Curtin's strategic plan. The project aligns with the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Climate Change and Health Impact Assessment within the Curtin School of Population Health. The primary supervisor is a member of this centre.
 

An internship may be available for this project. The team currently participates in the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) Heat and Vulnerability Mapping Project. There is an opportunity to conduct an internship with WACOSS to either participate in a project with WACOSS on heat (a climate-related exposure) with a focus on vulnerable populations, such as people who are living with a disability, people who live in regions with high levels of exposure, people who are biologically susceptible (e.g., pregnant women) or socially vulnerable (e.g., marginalised populations).

• Future Students

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Higher Degree by Research

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

• Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.

1

All applicable HDR courses.

Excellent organisational skills. Ability to work as part of a team. An interest in the influence of climate change on health. An interest in policy. Applicants with backgrounds from a wide range of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including but limited to: health, public and population health, health sciences, epidemiology, psychology, health administration, health policy, statistics or biostatistics, mathematics, economics, genetics and epigenetics, clinical research, social sciences and geographic information systems (GIS).  Applicants from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background are encouraged to apply.

 

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR Expression of Interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.

Project Lead: Professor Gavin Pereira