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VCPRF HDR Scholarship - Injury Prevention: Assessing organisational preparedness and adaptation to climate-related health and injury risks in outdoor activity settings: a Western Australian case study

It is now well recognised that changing climates have both a direct and indirect impact on health. Much less is known about whether organisations are adapting effectively and what constitutes successful implementation of climate-resilient health and injury prevention in real-world settings. This is a particularly important gap for settings and organisations that govern and provide opportunities for outdoor human activity, such as sport, active recreation, nature and eco-tourism, and coastal and beach settings.

Important dates

Opens: 14-09-2026 Closes: 13-11-2026

Applies to

Domestic Postgraduate Research

At a glance

Assessing organisational preparedness and adaptation to climate-related health and injury risks in outdoor activity settings: a Western Australian case study

Using Western Australia as a case study, this project will undertake a systematic analysis of how common climate hazards (e.g. heat, humidity, UV exposure, flooding, extreme weather) are governed by different organisations. Depending on the successful candidate, the research would have the following aims to a) map climate-related health and injury risks across outdoor activity sectors; b) identify existing organisational adaptation responses; c) evaluate implementation and governance of adaptation measures; and d) develop an evidence-based framework for climate-resilient injury prevention and public health practice. The research will be restricted to organisations in the active recreation, leisure, sport, festivals and tourism sectors.

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Only domestic candidates, or those with the right to work and study in Australia, will be considered.
  • Must have evidence of existing research skills through the completion of a strong honours degree or a Masters with a large research component.

Selection criteria

  • A motivated PhD candidate with excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, together with an appreciation of their application in real-world settings.
  • Candidates should have a passion for methodological rigour and strong writing skills.
  • They will have a background in public health, injury prevention, sport and recreation, environmental health, sustainability, policy, tourism or a related discipline.
  • Experience in qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, program evaluation, implementation science, or organisational research would be advantageous.
  • An interest in climate adaptation, health protection and injury prevention is essential.

Terms and conditions

Full-time candidature, with an expected completion within 3-4 years.
Enrolment will be at the Joondalup Campus, and the candidate must be able to meet with the supervisory panel on a face-to-face basis at this campus.

How to apply

Interested applicants should first contact the Principal Supervisor, Professor Caroline Finch AO, to discuss their suitability for this opportunity.
Please send your CV and a 1-page statement addressing the following criteria to c.finch@ecu.edu.au.

  • Why this project would suit you and what particular aspect of the research topic you would like to pursue.

Further information

Questions about this scholarship can be directed to c.finch@ecu.edu.au.

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