Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

Scholarships

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Related Contents

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Strategic Scholarship

This prestigious DVCR Strategic scholarship aims to implement the NHMRC funded project to improve food intake and enjoyment in aged care residents who require texture modified foods. This project brought together world-renowned researchers in aged care, nutrition, dietetics, food science and technology, speech pathology, public health and implementation science. The team will work alongside aged care partners, food industry and chefs to (1) develop 3D printed texture modified food choices, with a special focus on fruit and vegetable based foods; and (2) use a randomized clinical trial to investigate health implications of the novel texture modified foods. This project can provide a practical, evidence-based approach to reducing preventable malnutrition in aged care residents.

Important dates

Opens: 15-12-2023 Closes: 1-03-2024

Applies to

Postgraduate Research

At a glance

  • An estimated 50–75% of older Australians living in residential aged care facilities report swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Accordingly, over one-third of residents are prescribed texture modified foods (TMF). The TMF severely restrict both food choice and quality, and ultimately enjoyment. They are often “mush”, unappealing and nutritionally diluted. Consequently, the transition from standard diets to TMF leads to reduced appetite; lower energy and nutrient intakes; and unplanned weight loss.
  • This NHMRC funded PhD project aims to use state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3D) food printing along with other novel food technologies to develop novel TMF. The project will evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the developed 3D printed TMF choices in aged care facilities.
  • The successful PhD candidate will work in a collaborative team from ECU, the University of Western Australia and multiple industry partners, conducting both qualitative and quantitative research in Western Australia based aged care facilities. The position is based at Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute (ecu.edu.au) at ECU Joondalup.

Eligibility guidelines

This position is open to domestic and international candidates. To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must:

  • Must meet the entry requirements for a PhD at ECU

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated high level of interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A strong understanding of human nutrition. Experience in working in clinical nutrition, food science, aged care, and/or speech pathology would be desirable.
  • Current members or eligible for membership of Dietitians Australia with Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD), and speech pathologists are preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both in a multi-disciplinary team and independently.
  • A record of strong academic achievement。

How to apply

  • Please send your CV, a brief research statement, and the first pages of your publications to Dr Liezhou Zhong

For more information

Contact Dr Liezhou Zhong or Prof Jonathan Hodgson for more details.Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute (ecu.edu.au)

Skip to top of page