PhD Scholarship in Climate-Resilient Healthcare Systems at Macquarie University

Macquarie University, in partnership with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), is offering a prestigious, fully funded PhD scholarship focused on creating climate-resilient healthcare systems. This opportunity is ideal for researchers passionate about planetary health, low-carbon healthcare, and the intersection of environmental science and medical systems. The program aims to develop sustainable models of care that address the dual challenge of human and planetary well-being, supporting national and international efforts to decarbonise healthcare and protect vulnerable populations from climate-driven health impacts. Scholars will join a multidisciplinary research team and benefit from mentorship by leading experts such as Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite and Dr K-lynn Smith. The research environment emphasizes implementation science, the environmental footprint of clinical operations, and the translation of research findings into practice. Students will have access to world-class facilities at AIHI and opportunities for collaboration across Australian and international health organisations. The scholarship includes full tuition coverage and a living allowance stipend of $42,000 per annum for three years, with the possibility of a paid, part-time research support position. The program encourages applicants with backgrounds in health services research, climate change research, implementation science, organisational behavioural change, psychology, the humanities, or community involvement in research. Effective communication skills and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders are essential. Potential research topics include evaluating planetary health frameworks, investigating climate change impacts on vulnerable populations, assessing interventions to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint, and exploring policies that align healthcare with Net Zero targets. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. Interested candidates should contact the supervisors for more information and apply through the official Macquarie University portal, referencing scholarship number 20257669.