Wicked Problems Scholars 2026
About this scholarship
Wicked Problems Scholars is a Flinders University PhD scholarship programme supporting interdisciplinary research on complex social, environmental and public health challenges in Australia.
Wicked Problems Scholars is a PhD scholarship programme at Flinders University in Australia for candidates who want to research complex, interconnected challenges across society, health, environment and policy. Projects under this programme are interdisciplinary and may bring together areas such as public health, ecology, data science, artificial intelligence, systems thinking, mental health, exercise science, and policy innovation.
The programme is designed for higher degree by research applicants pursuing a PhD. Reference postings describe these opportunities as fully funded, and some postings note a stipend for up to 3.5 years. Exact financial terms can vary by project, so applicants should review the specific project advertisement and discuss details with the lead supervisor.
Current and recent projects at Flinders University have explored topics such as children’s health and wellbeing, school-based interventions, active fatherhood, mental health promotion, digital health, and AI-driven analysis of large national datasets on cost of living, social connection, environmental change, and healthcare access. The programme is especially suitable for students interested in applied, policy-relevant research with real-world impact.
Applicants are typically expected to identify a project of interest and contact the relevant supervisor first to discuss fit and eligibility. The lead supervisor may request a CV and a covering letter outlining qualifications, research experience, motivation, and readiness for interdisciplinary PhD work. Applicants who have not yet applied for admission to a relevant higher degree by research at Flinders University will also need to complete the university’s HDR admission process.
If you are looking for a research scholarship in Australia that combines analytical skills with collaboration across disciplines, Wicked Problems Scholars may be a strong option.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants should be suitable for admission to a higher degree by research at Flinders University and have a background relevant to the specific project. Posted projects indicate the programme looks for candidates with relevant qualifications, research experience, strong analytical or research skills, and interest in interdisciplinary, applied research on complex social, environmental, health or policy challenges. Some projects specifically seek applicants from health or related disciplines, with capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Wicked Problems Scholars.
