Industry-connected PhD to study community wellbeing in renewable energy regions
A new industry-linked PhD scholarship will support applied research into how large-scale renewable energy development is reshaping population growth, workforce patterns and health service demand across regional New South Wales.
The Institute for Regional Futures at the University of Newcastle has announced a fully funded PhD scholarship supported by Marathon Health through the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program.
The scholarship is designed to support applied research into the social, health and wellbeing impacts of large-scale renewable energy development in regional New South Wales, with a focus on understanding how rapid infrastructure growth affects people, communities and health services.
Central-West Orana REZ as a live research setting
The research will be centred on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, a region of around 20,000 square kilometres located in central NSW and centred on Dubbo and Dunedoo. Large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects are planned across the zone over the coming decade.
As these projects progress, the region is expected to attract thousands of workers. Population growth is anticipated through the arrival of professional and technical staff, alongside hundreds of temporary workers. This growth is expected to create both opportunities and pressures for local health and wellbeing services.
Understanding health needs in energy transition communities
Marathon Health is a not-for-profit organisation delivering health and wellbeing services across regional NSW, including communities within the Central-West Orana REZ. Through its partnership with the Institute for Regional Futures, the organisation is working to better understand the health and wellbeing needs of people living and working in renewable energy regions.
The PhD projects supported through this scholarship will investigate the health and wellbeing needs of renewable energy zone workers and their families, as well as existing residents. The research will examine how these needs translate into demand on local health systems and what this means for health service planning and delivery.
Flexible research pathways and applied outcomes
Given the range of factors influencing health outcomes in renewable energy regions, projects may be approached from multiple disciplinary perspectives. These may include epidemiology, health economics, health policy, anthropology or sociology, commercial analysis, or social determinants of health research.
Findings from the research are intended to contribute directly to health policy, planning and the development of health and wellbeing services within renewable energy zone communities.
How to apply
Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission and may apply for either a PhD or MPhil. Interested candidates should submit an email expressing interest, along with academic transcripts, a CV, a brief statement of research interests and a proposal that clearly links to the project focus.
