Fitsum Semere Weldegiorgis
3 months ago
PhD in Mineral Security for Food Security: ASM-Based Agricultural Mineral Supply Chains The University of Queensland in Australia
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
PhD scholarship with a living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually, tuition fees covered, generous travel allowance, international fieldwork, and opportunities to present at international conferences.
Deadline
Mar 31, 2027
Country
Australia
University
The University of Queensland
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About this position
PhD opportunity at The University of Queensland for domestic Australian candidates only.
Project title: Mineral security for food security: Mapping ASM-based agricultural mineral supply chains.
This PhD explores how crushed rock minerals sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) can improve soil fertility and support food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific. The project sits within the Global Centre for Mineral Security at UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, an interdisciplinary research environment working across minerals, development, sustainability, and policy.
Research focus and methods: QGIS and geospatial analysis, mixed-methods research, field-based qualitative work (interviews, focus groups, surveys), supply chain analysis, and potentially econometric/statistical analysis. The work will map mineral resources and farming activities in poverty hotspots and examine barriers and opportunities for access, affordability, scaling, and sustainable utilisation.
Academic areas: agricultural sciences, earth sciences, economics, environmental science, geography, development economics, development studies, food systems, mineral economics, and mineral-development linkages.
Funding: full PhD scholarship with a tax-free stipend of $37,500 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, generous travel allowance, international fieldwork, and conference presentation opportunities.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should show strong academic achievement and relevant experience or interest in mining/minerals, human development, poverty alleviation, and work with communities, companies, NGOs, or policymakers in Africa and/or the Pacific. Strong English academic writing and communication skills are essential.
Supervisor: Dr Fitsum Semere Weldegiorgis, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.
Application: submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. The project requires commencement no later than Research Quarter 2, 2027, and EOIs must be submitted by the relevant research-quarter closing date.
Funding details
PhD scholarship with a living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually, tuition fees covered, generous travel allowance, international fieldwork, and opportunities to present at international conferences.
What's required
Open to domestic Australian candidates only. Applicants should have academic achievement in geological sciences, agricultural sciences, development economics, development studies, or food systems, with potential for scholastic success. Essential skills include QGIS and geospatial analysis, strong academic writing and English communication, mixed-methods research design, and field-based qualitative research (interviews, focus groups, surveys). Econometric or statistical analysis (Stata, R, Python) and value chain/cost-benefit analysis are advantageous. Highly desirable experience includes applied research or work in mining/minerals, artisanal and small-scale mining, human development and poverty alleviation, and working with communities, companies, NGOs, or policymakers in Africa and/or the Pacific.
How to apply
Submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program; you do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. Choose the advertised project in the Scholarship/Sponsorship section, enter the scholarship code MINERAL-WELDEGIORGIS, and include the scholarship advertisement link. Contact Dr Fitsum Semere Weldegiorgis by email if you have questions about fit.
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