Are you a PhD student looking for a unique opportunity to combine research with real-world impact? The Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) and the Adelaide Park Lands Association have partnered to offer exciting internship scholarships for University of Adelaide PhD students. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about the National Heritage-listed Adelaide Park Lands, a vital green space surrounding the City of Adelaide.
About the Adelaide Park Lands Association
Established in 1987, the Adelaide Park Lands Association is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the unique Adelaide Park Lands. Spanning originally 930 hectares, this green space has shrunk to about 700 hectares due to encroachments by buildings, fences, and bitumen since 1837. With increasing threats in the 21st century, the Association works tirelessly to safeguard this open public land through initiatives focused on exploration, inspiration, protection, and restoration.
Details of the PhD Internship Scholarship
This internship opportunity is open to PhD students at the University of Adelaide across various faculties, including Arts, Business, Law and Economics (ABLE), and Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET). It is available to both commencing and continuing students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders, and international students.
The internship spans a minimum of 60 full-time equivalent (FTE) business days, during which students will receive a stipend at the University of Adelaide RTP rate on a pro-rata basis. This program is also accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in participation.
Research Projects Available
The internship offers two distinct research projects aligned with the Association’s core streams: EXPLORE, INSPIRE, PROTECT, and RESTORE. These projects are designed to address pressing issues concerning the Adelaide Park Lands and provide students with hands-on industry experience.
1. Optimising Water Use in the Adelaide Park Lands
This project focuses on analyzing the varying water usage practices across different sections of the Park Lands. Some areas are irrigated with domestic water supply, others with water from the River Torrens or recycled water from the Glenelg-Adelaide Pipeline, while some receive no irrigation at all. The research will investigate whether current arrangements are optimal and propose potential improvements to enhance sustainability and support green urban futures.
2. Documenting Cumulative Losses in the Adelaide Park Lands
Ideal for students interested in local history, heritage, or social geography, this project involves researching and documenting the historical losses of specific sections of the Park Lands over time. The aim is to support public campaigns against current threats and predict future risks based on past patterns. This work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by this heritage site.
Benefits for PhD Students
Engage in solving real-world problems with tangible solutions.
Support the Adelaide Park Lands Association in vital research activities.
Gain valuable professional industry experience to boost your career.
Post-selection, successful candidates, their supervisors, and the Association will discuss the specific nature of research activities and working arrangements to ensure alignment with academic and project goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this internship scholarship, a PhD student must:
Be within the first 18 months of their candidature.
Be willing to commit to a minimum of 60 FTE business days for the internship.
Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
Have a research area aligned with the proposed internship projects in fields such as social sciences, history, sociology, politics, environment, sustainability, or climate change.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email to hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au with the subject line 'Adelaide Park Lands Internship':
A current resume.
A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your interest in the internship and how your research aligns with the proposed projects.
For further enquiries, reach out to the HDR Internships Team at the same email address. Applications are open until filled, so don’t delay in submitting your materials.
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Don’t miss out on opportunities that can shape your academic and professional future. Apply for the Adelaide Park Lands PhD Internship Scholarship today and contribute to preserving a world-unique green space while advancing your research career!
