The University of Queensland is offering a unique PhD scholarship opportunity focused on building climate-resilient cities for tomorrow. This interdisciplinary program addresses the urgent challenges posed by climate change, including water security, aging infrastructure, and urban equality. The research spans architecture, engineering, policy, and social sciences, aiming to design cities that are sustainable, resilient, and liveable. The scholarship provides a $10,000 per annum top-up for up to 3.5 years and is supported by leading organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, DFAT, and state governments. Research topics include collaborative governance, First Nations engagement, renewable energy integration, circular water systems, and adaptive water management. The program is highly interdisciplinary, involving the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering at UQ, as well as the Centre for Policy Futures, Social Sciences, and Business Schools. PhD candidates will be co-supervised by a multi-disciplinary team of award-winning academics, including Professor Steven Kenway and colleagues. The research environment offers access to UQ’s leading infrastructure, collaborative research initiatives, and industry partnerships. Projects are closely linked with industry, including government agencies, water utilities, technology providers, and NGOs. Applicants should have a strong academic background and expertise in water systems, urban planning, environmental science, or related fields. Eligibility requires meeting UQ’s PhD entry requirements and holding or applying for a living allowance scholarship at least at the Research Training Program rate. Selection is competitive and considers academic record, publications, honours, awards, and relevant experience. A background in water science, management regulations, collaborative engagement, energy systems, and urban development is highly desirable. To apply, candidates should check their eligibility, prepare documentation, and contact Professor Steven Kenway at [email protected] to discuss suitability. Applications are open from December 3, 2025, and close on March 23, 2026. No separate scholarship application is required; indicate interest in the 'CLIMATE-KENWAY' scholarship in the PhD application. This opportunity is ideal for those passionate about sustainable urban futures, circular economies, and innovative solutions for climate-resilient infrastructure. Join a vibrant research community and contribute to real-world solutions for cities that work for both people and the planet.

The University of Queensland is offering a new PhD opportunity focused on climate-resilient cities, urban sustainability, and water systems. This interdisciplinary program aims to design and deliver sustainable, affordable urban developments and infrastructure through collaborative governance, reliable water management, and future-oriented precincts. The research addresses the grand challenge of creating liveable, low-carbon, and equitable cities by integrating water, energy, urban design, and governance to support economic growth and sustainable development. PhD candidates will investigate best practices in implementing urban sustainability, focusing on healthy waterways, decarbonisation, and liveability. The program covers a wide range of topics, including circular water systems, collaborative governance, adaptive planning, innovative policy and regulation, drought and flood risk management, advanced biomonitoring, recycled water analysis, and the integration of renewable energy in urban precincts. The research environment is highly interdisciplinary, involving the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology, the School of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, as well as the Centre for Policy Futures, Social Sciences, and Business Schools at UQ. The supervisory team includes Professor Steven Kenway and a group of distinguished academics from The University of Queensland, with co-advisors from Griffith University, University of Technology Sydney, Colorado State University, and Eawag (ETH Zurich). The program is highly connected with industry partners, including government agencies, water utilities, technology providers, and non-government organisations, offering candidates opportunities for industry engagement and co-hosting. Eligibility requires meeting the entry requirements for a higher degree by research at UQ. Applicants should have a strong academic background in water systems, water science, management regulations, collaborative engagement, energy systems, greenhouse gas, and urban development. Selection is competitive and considers academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history. A working knowledge of water systems and urban development is beneficial. The scholarship provides a top-up of $10,000 per annum for up to 3.5 years, in addition to a primary living allowance scholarship at least at the Research Training Program rate. No separate scholarship application is required; candidates apply for the scholarship when submitting their PhD application and must indicate 'CLIMATE-KENWAY' in the relevant section. The application window is open from 3 December 2025 to 23 March 2026. For more information or to discuss suitability, candidates should contact Professor Steven Kenway at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for those interested in advancing research and industry engagement in climate-resilient urban development, water management, and sustainable infrastructure.