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Vice Chancellor's Research Fellow PhD Scholarship

Nested within the broader scope of Dr Leanda Mason’s EDJI (Equity, Diversity, Justice, and Inclusion based) Ecology research, this transdisciplinary place- based project explores the intersections of queer ecology, non-human entities, and the concept of Country in Indigenous Australian contexts.

Important dates

Opens: 14-08-2024 Closes: 30-09-2024

Applies to

Domestic International Postgraduate Research

At a glance

  • Queer ecology rejects traditional binary and heteronormative perspectives on nature, sex, gender, and sexuality; while Indigenous Australian cultures recognise the interconnectedness and validity of all life forms within the notion of Country. By integrating these perspectives into contemporary relationships with Land, this research may challenge dominant anthropocentric views in ecological studies, and further inform critical environmental justice practice and education.
  • While the research questions and direction are open to development by the applicant with the support of the supervisors, potential research questions may be:
    • In what ways do Indigenous Australian cultures’ recognition of the interconnectedness of all life forms align with or diverge from queer ecological principles?
    • How may Country provide a ‘safe space’ for queer First Nations peoples?
    • What roles do non-human entities play in the Indigenous Australian notion of Country, and how can these roles be reinterpreted through a queer ecological lens?
    • How do the intersections of queer ecology and Indigenous Australian views on Country redefine relationships between humans, non-human entities, and the environment?
    • What pedagogical approaches can be developed to teach the interconnectedness of all life forms within the framework of queer ecology and Indigenous Australian concepts of Country?
    • How can this research inform policy development and implementation in ecological and environmental justice sectors?

The PhD is part of a Vice Chancellor’s Research Fellowship, held by Dr Leanda Mason and provides an annual stipend of $33,000. The PhD will not only be aligned with the School of Education, but also with the Centre for People, Place, and Planet.

Eligibility guidelines

To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must:

  • Meet the entry requirements for a PhD at ECU

Selection Criteria

  • As a part of an active and thriving research community at the Centre for People, Place, and Planet, the applicant will require the ability to work collaboratively with a research team, think across disciplinary silos, and creatively engage in qualitative and theoretical research areas. However, the research questions and direction are open to development by the applicant with the support of the supervisors.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have lived experience as a queer and/or Indigenous person.

How to apply

Please send your CV, as well as a brief cover letter that outlines why you are interested in the project and what you area of research you may like to pursue while also addressing the selection criteria.

For more information

Contact Dr. Leanda Mason for more details.

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