PhD Scholarship in Gender-Based Violence and Safer Sport Communities at La Trobe University La Trobe University in Australia

La Trobe University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of the ARC Discovery Project “Creating Safer Sport Communities from Rural to Urban Australia.” This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in sport, with a focus on rural, regional, and priority populations, including First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ groups. The project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the gendered nature of violence in sport and to create evidence-based interventions and practice guides for safer sport communities across Australia.

The successful candidate will join the La Trobe Rural Health School and the Reducing Gender-Based Violence Research Group, working under the primary supervision of Associate Professor Kirsty Forsdike, with a supervisory team including leading researchers from Victoria University, Griffith University, Laval University (Canada), and Loughborough University (UK). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants will be supported by Professor Julie Andrews and the Gabra Biik Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre, with the opportunity to become a member of the Centre.

Research topics are flexible and may include rural and regional experiences of GBV in sport, intersectional experiences among priority populations, and place-based interventions. Community-engaged and participatory research approaches are encouraged, and candidates are welcome to propose their own project within these or related themes. The project uses interdisciplinary, mixed-methods, and co-design approaches, offering access to local networks, data, and industry expertise.

The scholarship provides a stipend of $34,000 per annum for three and a half years, fee relief for up to four years, and $5,000 for research expenses. Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants may receive a Dennis McDermott Research Scholarship top-up of $10,000 per annum and additional research support. Applicants must meet La Trobe’s PhD entry requirements, preferably have a Masters by Research or significant research experience, and demonstrate interest in GBV in sport or rural/regional research. A working with children’s check is required.

To apply, confirm your eligibility for the PhD program, then email Associate Professor Kirsty Forsdike at [email protected] with your CV, eligibility evidence, Expression of Interest Letter, and Research Proposal. The application deadline is 28 February 2026. For more information, visit the official scholarship page or contact the supervisor directly.