Scholarship Title(Max. 80 Characters)

Scholarship Title(Max. 80 Characters)

Graduate Research School

Scholarship Web Advertisement Template

Please complete all the fields below and replace any example text as required. The form should be returned to the Graduate Research School via email at .

Scholarship title(max. 80 characters)

Example titles (please delete and replace with a descriptive scholarship title):
School of (insert name of School) Postgraduate Research Scholarship
ARC Linkage PhD Scholarship
Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Scholarship

Project title(max. 80 characters)

The functional role of plant silicon in resistance to climate change and insect herbivores

About the project(max. 300 words)

Example text (please delete and replace with a suitable project description):
TheHawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE)is a research institute within Western Sydney University. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality.
We are now offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work within a research group addressing the functional role of plant silicon in resistance to climate change and insect herbivores. The project is funded through the Australian Research Council.
This project will expose a range of Australian and exotic temperate region grass species to predicted changes in precipitation patterns with and without silicon supplementation. The project will identify whether silicon alleviates water stress in Australian grasses, in relation to other physiological traits, and determine how this affects plant susceptibility to herbivores. The project provides an exciting opportunity to test new approaches for plant protection and climate change adaptation.
The project will be based at HIE with the opportunity to work with the UK-based supervisor, Prof Sue Hartley, on novel analytical techniques for the visualisation of silicon deposition under different climatic conditions.

What does the scholarship provide?(standard text – edit/delete as required)

  • Domestic students will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum to support living costs. Tuition fees will be supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset.
  • International students will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
  • All International students are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) policy covering the duration of their studies in Australia.
    The scholarship includes funding for a single/family Overseas Student Health Cover policy.OR
    The scholarship does not include funding for the OSHC policy. The policy can cost between $3,420 for a single person policy and up to $17,100 for a family policy. Please contact the Graduate Research School for more information about OSHC policies:
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.

Eligibility criteria(standard text – edit/delete as required)

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are <keen to apply their skills to key issues in environmental biology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in <plant biology, plant physiology, climate change and/or entomology>.
The successful applicant should:
  • hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to <ecology, plants and and entomology>.
  • have an understanding of the importance of <climate change adaptation.
  • be willing to learn <analytical techniques applicable to plant physiology and chemistry>.
  • be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
International applicants must also meetEnglish language proficiency.

How to apply(standard text – edit as required)

1. Contact <INSERT ACADEMIC CONTACT NAME(EMAIL) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.
2. Complete thescholarship application form (PDF, 222.11 KB).
3. Compile your CV, contact information for two referees and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.<ADD ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS>
4. Ensure all documentation is certified according toWestern Sydney University requirements.
5. All applications and supporting documentation must be submitted directly to the Graduate Research School as follows:
  • Use the email subject line:<GRS TO UPDATE>
  • Submit
  • All attached documents must be submitted as PDF.
  • In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
Please contact the Graduate Research School via email r more information.

Applications close(please provide a closing date)

DD/MM/YYYY

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