Crawford Economics PhD Scholarship: Valuing Nature-Based Flood Risk Mitigation Strategies

About this scholarship

We are seeking a motivated and highly capable PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on Conserving and Reconnecting Floodplains to Mitigate Flood Risk. This innovative project, funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia, brings together experts in hydrology, ecology, economics and social sciences to examine the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to enhance flood resilience while delivering economic, social and environmental co-benefits in the Australian context. The project commenced in 2025 and will be completed in 2028.

The objective of the scholarship is to provide support to a student with research interests in economics and sustainability. The successful candidate will be based at the Crawford School of Public Policy (Economics PhD) and is encouraged to develop a research proposal that aligns with the project’s overarching aims, under the supervision of Professor Yu Sheng and Dr Hayley Henderson. Potential areas of focus include critically evaluating and developing economic tools for assessing the cost-effectiveness of floodplain conservation and restoration, quantifying the economic benefits of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) under different project scenarios, and analysing their trade-offs and co-benefits.

SUMMARY

SCHOLARSHIP TYPE

Academic

VALUE

AUD 38,154 per annum (Valued at RTP rate)

Payments made fortnightly

Payments made for a fixed number of years

APPLICATION PERIOD

16-May-2025 to 20-Jun-2025

Student types
Domestic
Student levels
Postgraduate research
Selection bases
Academic merit
Ongoing eligibility
Continuation based on academic performance
Extension duration
6 month extension available.

Field of study

Economics (or related)

Eligibility

This award is open to domestic candidates only. To be considered for this, applicants should possess:

A first-class Honours or Master degree in Economics, Environmental Economics or a related field.
Strong quantitative research skills, including experience with statistical or econometric software, economic modelling and data analysis.
Interest in environmental economics, natural resource management and Nature-based Solutions.
Practical experience in economic evaluation or impact analysis of major projects or policy initiatives is highly desirable though not required (e.g. Cost-Benefit Analysis, Cost-Effectiveness Analysis, Environmental Valuation Methods, Social Return on Investment), including engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.
Experience working constructively in the context of a multidisciplinary research team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Availability to commence by July 2025 and study full-time.

Additional information

What We Offer

A scholarship for three and a half years (Full Time) of $38,154 per annum.
Access to world-class research facilities and mentoring from ANU experts.
Opportunities for fieldwork, industry collaboration and publishing in high-ranking academic journals.
Participation in a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment at the Crawford School of Public Policy and the Institute for Climate, Energy, and Disaster Solutions (ICEDS).

The standard scholarship conditions at ANU apply and can be found here.

To express your interest, please contact Professor Yu Sheng and Dr Hayley Henderson by 10th of June with:

A short email or letter outlining your research interests and initial ideas for a PhD aligned with this project;
A current CV detailing all relevant experience; and
Academic transcripts.

Subsequently, final applications must be submitted online to ANU by 20th June 2025 following the instructions for the Economics PhD Program at the Crawford School of Public Policy. Commencement is planned for July or August, 2025

A selection committee comprised of Professor Yu Sheng (Crawford School of Public Policy), Dr Hayley Henderson (Crawford School of Public Policy), Associate Professor Roslyn Prinsley (ICEDS, ANU) and Dr Jason Alexandra (ICEDS, ANU) will consider all Expressions of Interest (see below) made before offering a letter of support to accompany your application to the Crawford Economics PhD program.

Program conditions are standard to ANU. We strongly encourage applications from students with diverse backgrounds, including First Nations peoples and individuals from underrepresented communities.