A partnership between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the University of Newcastle (UON) Australia, has led to the call for applications from Pacific Islanders for two Higher Degree Research scholarships for Pacific Environmental Protection.
“Through our concerted action, we will address significant challenges related to climate change resilience, ecosystem and biodiversity protection, waste management, pollution control and environmental governance,” said Mr Kosi Latu, Director General of SPREP.
University of Newcastle’s Professor Alan Broadfoot said, “We are very pleased to make this opportunity available for Pacific Island students for Pacific environmental protection in key areas of significance for our region. These scholarships aim to support research projects at the University of Newcastle while contributing to the regional goals of SPREP.”
The SPREP/UON Partnership has already seen the commencement of three Pacific PhD scholars who are working on projects to help find solutions to the environmental challenges facing Pacific communities: plastic pollution and its effects on human health, monitoring and modelling of river catchments for ecosystem-based adaptation, and the remediation of oil from World War II wrecks.
The additional two scholarships on offer are to work on research projects that will examine: 1. The impact of invasive species on ecosystem recovery; and 2. Coral reef ecosystem adaptation to ocean acidification.
The scholarships provide a living allowance stipend of AUD$27,596 each year for three and a half years, plus tuition fees, overseas student health cover and a relocation allowance where applicable.
To be eligible, applicants must meet UON academic entry requirements, UON English language requirements for PhD Study, and must also be a citizen of a Pacific Island nation. Applications close on 26 July, 2019.
For further information please visit the website by following the links below:
Impact of invasive species on ecosystem recovery
Coral reef ecosystem adaptation to ocean acidification
Or email Dr Sascha Fuller, Pacific Note Coordinator UON based at SPREP: [email protected]