Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Project Building Black Justice Journalism PhD Scholarship

This PhD scholarship at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the field of Black Justice Journalism, focusing on ethical frameworks for Indigenous media and justice for First Nations people. The scholarship is part of Dr Amy McQuire’s Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Project, 'Building Black Justice Journalism.' The project foregrounds Black Witnesses, centers marginalized voices, and aims to disrupt dehumanizing representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the development of Indigenous ethical practices in journalism.

As a scholarship recipient, you will receive a generous stipend of $51,000 per annum (tax exempt, indexed annually) for up to 3.5 years, with the possibility of a 6-month extension. Additionally, a tuition fee offset/sponsorship covers the cost of your tuition fees for up to 4 years. You will work with leading researchers and have the opportunity to engage with QUT’s Carumba Institute, collaborating with Indigenous scholars and producing innovative research aligned with the project’s goals.

The research themes include the history of Indigenous media and activism, reporting on justice issues affecting Indigenous people, trauma-informed reporting practices, changes in digital media landscapes, and the impact of artificial intelligence on Indigenous media and journalistic practice. The project is committed to abolition, Indigenous Sovereignty, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, and opposition to all forms of oppression, placing emancipation and justice at the heart of independent black media work.

Eligibility requires meeting QUT’s Doctor of Philosophy entry requirements, including English language proficiency. Candidates must enroll as full-time, internal students unless approval for part-time or external study is obtained. A background in journalism, media and communication, justice, or law is essential. The ideal candidate will have a strong motivation to research in this field and an interest in black media, journalism, or justice issues affecting Indigenous peoples.

To apply, email Dr Amy McQuire with your academic and research background, motivation, and CV. If supported, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for QUT’s Doctor of Philosophy, nominating Dr Amy McQuire as your principal supervisor and referencing the scholarship website link in the financial details section. Applications for the scholarship should be made concurrently with your PhD admission.

This scholarship provides a platform for research that challenges traditional journalistic practices, centers Indigenous voices, and theorizes strategies to contest representational violence. It is ideal for candidates passionate about ethical storytelling, Indigenous media, and justice for First Nations people.