Study with us
Help us address the 21st century’s most compelling and complex health challenges by undertaking a PhD or postdoctoral research through the Institute. With the support of our world renowned researchers and access to our partners across the health sector, you’ll make your mark with research that transforms the design and delivery of prevention and care.
Find out more about becoming a research student at Deakin and available scholarships.
Keep reading for current opportunities.
PhD opportunities
For general enquiries about studying as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student with the Institute for Health Transformation please contact:
School of Nursing and Midwifery HDR Coordinator, Associate Professor Pat Nicholson
Phone: +61 3 924 46114
Email: p.nicholson@deakin.edu.au
School of Health and Social Development HDR Coordinator, Associate Professor Genevieve Pepin
Phone: +61 3 522 78462
Email: genevieve.pepin@deakin.edu.au
School of Health and Social Development Deputy HDR Coordinator, Dr Kim Robinson
Phone: +61 3 522 78205
Email: kim.robinson@deakin.edu.au
Current projects
Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Planet
Food systems have a key influence on population health and environmental sustainability. In recent decades, major changes to food systems have resulted in widescale distribution and consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed food and beverages that are contributing to poor health outcomes, with high environmental footprints. In Australia and globally, extensive transformation of food systems is needed to address diet-related diseases and to stay within planetary boundaries.
A PhD scholarship is available to initiate and conduct research on the topic ‘Healthy Food, Healthy Planet, Healthy People’.
The PhD candidate will be based either in the Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition (GLOBE) within the Institute for Health Transformation, or in Deakin University’s Planet-A lab, within the School of Life and Environmental Sciences . We will select the most appropriate supervision team based on the candidate’s interests, expertise and research topic.
Find out more on the Deakin website.
Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle – Tailoring diabetes prevention for menopause
This is a doctoral Cotutelle project in ‘tailoring an existing diabetes prevention programme to address the menopause for midlife women’ between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (UK).
There is not seen to be a one size fits all approach to managing midlife changes in women, but rather a tool kit of synergistic strategies is needed. Women need to be empowered to understand their symptoms and know how to manage menopause. Doing so will give women a better chance in preventing type 2 diabetes.
This PhD will explore the online discourse and co-produce and test a tailored diabetes prevention programme that addresses the menopause for midlife women.
Find out more on the Deakin website.
Deakin-Coventry Cotutelle – Building strength in the menopause
This is a doctoral Cotutelle project in ‘promoting ‘sitting less and moving more’, incorporating progressive increases in muscle strength, for diabetes prevention in menopause between Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (United Kingdom)
This PhD will explore the ‘sitting less and moving more’ strategy with an emphasis on the incorporation of muscle strength development for menopausal women living at risk of type 2 diabetes and co-produce an intervention targeting this strategy in this group.
Find out more on the Deakin website.
Understanding and addressing diabetes stigma
Broadly, the aim of this mixed-methods PhD research is to quantify the scope, and drivers, of diabetes stigma, to inform the development and evaluation of relevant interventions. The exact project aims and methods will be developed, in partnership, by the student and supervision team.
The successful candidate will be awarded a three-year Deakin University Industry PhD Scholarship, in collaboration with The DiaTribe Foundation (USA).
Find out more on the Deakin website.
In hospital experiences for people with diabetes
This project will explore expectations, preferences and experiences regarding diabetes management during hospitalisations of adults with diabetes. It could also evaluate people’s experiences and satisfaction with hospital initiatives to improve quality of care for people with diabetes. The exact aims and methods will be determined through consultation between the candidate and the supervision panel.
Find out more on the Deakin website.
Taking part in diabetes research: Who, why, how?
This project may explore the expectations, experiences, barriers and facilitators of research participation among Australian adults with type 2 diabetes. In pursuit of this aim, systematic literature review and mixed methods research will likely be undertaken. The exact aims and methods will be determined through consultation between the candidate and the supervision panel.
Find out more on the Deakin website.
Post-doc opportunities
Our early to mid-career researchers play a vital role in our research and we provide a supportive environment in which to build their careers and attract funding. Some of these opportunities include:
- Deakin University Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.
- National Heart Foundation post doctoral and Future Leader Fellowships
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Fellowships: Discovery Early Career Research Awards (DECRA) and Future Fellowships
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Fellowships
- A number of international organisations offer postdoctoral funding for non-Australian researchers to spend time in Australia.
If you’d like to talk to us about post doc opportunities within the Institute, please contact us at health-transformation@deakin.edu.au or phone 03 9244 5791. We’d love to hear from you.
Honours and Masters research projects
Our Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research is home to a number of Masters and Honours students enrolled at Deakin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery. The students are completing research projects in several areas, including patient experience, patient safety and health workforce.
For further information on Honours research projects, contact Dr Emily Tomlinson, and for Masters research projects, contact Associate Professor Melissa Bloomer
Become a visiting researcher
The Institute for Health Transformation has a vibrant culture of fostering connections with scholars and PhD students to achieve excellence in research and practice. We welcome applications for visits from scholars and PhD students wishing to carry out research and participate in academic life at the Institute.
Researchers, academics and PhD students may apply to visit the Institute and work with our researchers on projects and/or papers, expanding their collaborative networks and adding unparalleled experience to their CVs. Visiting scholars and students are also encouraged to participate in events and activities hosted by the Institute and Deakin University during their visit.
Expressions of interest should outline proposed research activities that align with our research streams. Visitors are offered access to a workstation, IT facilities and Deakin University’s library. Full details, including any fees that apply, will be made available during the application process. All associated costs such as accommodation, travel and living expenses will be met by the visiting academic or student. Expressions of interest should be made at least two months prior to the proposed commencement of the visiting fellowship.
International visitors to Australia require a visa. Read more information on Australian visa requirements.
Please note: This information relates to academics and PhD students who wish to visit Deakin University on a short-term basis. Prospective international students wishing to enrol in a PhD at Deakin University should visit the Deakin University website.