PhD in Science Communication or Law for Forensic Science and Wrongful Convictions Project The Australian National University in Canada

PhD opportunity at The Australian National University for a student interested in science communication, law, and contributing to a fair and equitable justice system.

This ARC-funded interdisciplinary project is supervised by Merryn McKinnon at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and Assoc Prof Jason Chin at ANU Law School. The project aims to help prevent wrongful convictions by producing high-quality, court-ready summaries of forensic science topics. It also involves collaboration with two state police labs, The Australian Academy of Science, psychologists, and research synthesists.

The PhD disciplinary home will be either science communication or law, depending on the successful applicant’s previous qualifications. Funding includes a stipend of $44,513 per year for the first three years of the PhD, plus some travel funds. Applicants should note that they are responsible for sourcing any additional scholarship they may be eligible for.

Eligibility highlights: Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or New Zealand citizen; meet ANU PhD admission requirements; meet university English language requirements; have not previously completed a PhD; be able to commence in the year of the offer; and enroll as a full-time PhD student (part-time may be considered with approval).

Interested candidates should message Merryn McKinnon or Jason Chin for more information and assess fit with the project’s interdisciplinary focus on forensic science, law, and science communication.