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.