The University of Adelaide is offering three fully funded PhD scholarships as part of an Australian Research Council Discovery Project in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Durham University. These scholarships focus on developing innovative approaches for discovering natural hydrogen accumulations in continental interiors, using South Australia's Flinders Ranges as a natural laboratory.
Scholarship Overview
Each scholarship provides a generous annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed annually) for a duration of 3.5 years. The research will be conducted at the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET).
Available PhD Projects
The research will address key questions about hydrogen production, transport, and accumulation in Earth's crust through three distinct projects:
PhD Project 1: Geophysical Characterisation of Natural Hydrogen Systems
This project involves collecting and analyzing new magnetotelluric and ambient seismic data to produce 3D geophysical models. These models will constrain the subsurface extent of rock units suitable for hydrogen generation via radiolysis and/or serpentinization and identify permeable fault zones necessary for water transport and hydrogen migration into reservoirs.
PhD Project 2: Geochemical Characterisation of Natural Hydrogen Systems
This project will focus on collecting water and groundwater samples from natural springs and pumped bores. These samples will be analyzed for hydrogen, helium, radiogenic noble gases, and stable isotopes to quantify the spatiotemporal flux of natural hydrogen in distinct reservoirs ranging from Mesoproterozoic to Cenozoic age. The research aims to discriminate between potential hydrogen generation mechanisms and assess the controls on migration, accumulation, and preservation of hydrogen in geological reservoirs.
PhD Project 3: Structural and Geomechanical Characterisation of Natural Hydrogen Systems
This project will conduct detailed, multiscale structural and geomechanical characterization of a major crustal fault system to quantify the connectivity between potential hydrogen source and reservoir rocks. It will assess the role of stress-controlled structural permeability in hydrogen migration and investigate the petrophysical and fluid-flow properties of fault rocks. The research will also interrogate paleo-episodes of hydrogen migration through isotopic, noble gas, and micro thermometric analyses of hydrogen-bearing inclusions.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarships are open to:
Australian citizens
Australian permanent residents
New Zealand citizens
Permanent humanitarian visa holders
International students
All applicants must be acceptable as candidates for a PhD degree at the University of Adelaide.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship provides:
Annual stipend of $35,300 (likely tax-exempt, subject to Taxation Office approval)
Duration of 3.5 years
Application Requirements
Expressions of interest should be submitted to Simon Holford by July 31, 2025, with the name of the scholarship in the subject heading. Your application must include:
Evidence of citizenship or residency status
Degree certificates (testamurs) showing study in an aligned topic (geophysics, geochemistry, geology)
Academic transcripts
Translations of non-English documentation
Evidence of English language proficiency
Curriculum vitae
Cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria
Essential Selection Criteria
Your cover letter must address the following criteria:
Required qualifications for entry to a PhD in geophysics, geochemistry, or geology
Record of previous research training and/or research skills
Experience in undertaking field-based geoscience research
Fluency in written and spoken English, and excellent verbal and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills to work as an independent researcher and as a member of a diverse research team
Contact Information
For inquiries about the scholarship, please contact:
Simon Holford
School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Discipline of Earth Sciences
Tel: (08) 83138035
Email: simon.holford@adelaide.edu.au
This research opportunity represents a significant advancement in understanding natural hydrogen systems, which could have important implications for future energy resources. The unique natural laboratory of the Paralana Fault Zone in South Australia's Flinders Ranges provides an exceptional setting for this cutting-edge research.
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