Wicked Problems Scholars

Fully funded PhD opportunity at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, focused on mental health, fatherhood, exercise, co-design, health promotion, and community-based research.

The project is titled Active Fatherhood: Co-Designing an Exercise Program Infused with Mental Health and Self-Care Promotion for New Dads to Tackle Australia’s Wicked Problems. It sits within Flinders University’s broader Wicked Problems research programme and uses the national Wicked Problems dataset to explore complex social and health challenges affecting Australian communities.

Research focus includes wellbeing, mental health, and social connection among new fathers; analysis of cost-of-living pressures and access to support; co-design with fathers and community partners; and the use of community-based and physical activity settings as accessible pathways to wellbeing and prevention.

Supervision is by Sarah Hunter, Matthew Wallen, Brittany J Johnson, Sam Elliott, and Damien Riggs, with a transdisciplinary team spanning psychology, exercise physiology, social work, nutrition, and education.

Eligibility highlights: an undergraduate degree in health or a related discipline; experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research; interest in co-design and applied research; background in physical activity, mental health, health promotion, or prevention; and strong communication, independent working, and teamwork skills.

Funding: fully funded stipend for 3.5 years.

How to apply: email a CV and a brief message outlining your experience and motivations to Sarah Hunter at [email protected]. More information is available via the linked Flinders page.