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ECU - Orthopaedic Research Foundation of WA Scholarship

Australia has some of the highest rates of ACL reconstructions in the world with projections tipped to exponentially rise over the next decade. ACL injuries result in individual and societal burdens. The individual will be unlikely to fully return to sport or competition for 9-12 months, miss extended work periods, and be at high risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. On the other hand, hospitals are saddled with a massive financial burden, with annual costs for ACLR projected to rise to over 300 million by 2030. However, despite surgical and rehabilitation advances, there is still a significantly increased risk of recurrent or subsequent injury. Examining poorly understood brain mechanisms that may underpin lower-limb deficits after ACLR could inform innovative rehabilitation practices and are urgently needed.

Important dates

Opens: 1-07-2024 Closes: 16-08-2024

Applies to

Domestic Postgraduate Research

At a glance

  • If you can see yourself working in a highly successful, multi-disciplinary research team to improve outcomes for athletes following knee injuries, particularly women, this opportunity is for you.
  • This scholarship is available to Australian applicants and offers a stipend of $37,000 per annum for a maximum of 3.5 years and access to a project budget during candidature to support research, self-development and travel of $10,000.

Research Project

Optimising rehabilitation outcomes following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

This research project has been co-designed with our industry partners to address an unmet need within orthopaedic rehabilitation: namely how can we optimise neuromuscular and neurophysiological recovery following ACL Reconstruction.

This research aims to bring together a multi-disciplinary team of experienced clinician-researchers within and external to ECU. The team aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a novel approach to enhancing neuromuscular and neurophysiological recovery in an athletic population following ACL Reconstruction.

This industry PhD Scholarship would achieve the following objectives:

  1. Determine the feasibility of a novel rehabilitation protocol, focused on contemporary strength and conditioning principles, following ACL reconstruction.
  2. Determine the efficacy of the novel rehabilitation protocol following ACL reconstruction for improving neuromuscular and neurophysiological function.

Eligibility guidelines

To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must:

  • Meet the entry requirements for a PhD at ECU;
  • Enrol in the Doctor of Philosophy full-time at ECU;
  • Have a bachelor’s degree with first class honours or master’s degree in exercise and sports science, physiotherapy or equivalent field;

Selection Criteria

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate who possesses the following qualifications:

  • Research experience in a sports science/ sports medicine environment and/or knowledge and experience in team sports;
  • Excellent research and scientific writing skills;
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality;
  • A desire to learn and gain a multidisciplinary perspective;
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.

How to apply

Please submit an expression of interest to Dr Myles Murphy and Professor Sophia Nimphius and include the following:

  • A concise cover letter (no more than one page) that describes your suitability and reasons for applying;
  • A copy of your current curriculum vitae (CV);
  • Any relevant supporting documents related to your research experience (e.g., publications).

For more information

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

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