2023 The Devil Eats Quinoa: tracking trends in food consumption to inform the adoption of crop and livestock diversification – The School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Status: Closed

Applications open: 1/04/2023
Applications close: 30/04/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences, at Curtin University, is offering two competitive scholarships for students to study for their PhD in an agriculture-focused subject area within the Discipline of Agriculture & Food. The scholarships aim to support applied, industry-focused, agricultural research and development at Curtin University and to strengthen capacity in key strategic areas of the university and its partners. 

Project Description

A scene in The Devil Wears Prada famously tracks a colour trend (cerulean) from a high-end fashion show to department store racks. While this brief speech has been debunked as outdated and incorrect, it provides a valuable analogy that may provide insight for farmers considering diversification of their enterprises.

Research demonstrates that crop and livestock diversity are valuable for a wide variety of biological, environmental, and economic reasons. Agricultural technology adoption literature for farmers in Australia and around the world, however, report that farmers are resistant to diversification due to behavioural and economic obstacles. The development of a model to understand the path of a food trend, such as from a celebrity chef on a reality television show using quinoa to pre-packaged quinoa salad at the supermarket, could demonstrate the economic value of crop and livestock diversification to farmers, as well as other steps in the supply chain. Additionally, given the long lead time necessary for agribusinesses to capitalise on new products, such a model could provide insights into the direction of trends for future growing seasons and assist in lowering obstacles for farmers.

This project will build on the experience and research in agricultural and behavioural economics, agricultural supply chains, agricultural and food science with collaborators at Curtin University and the University of Western Australia. The research will require data from food and agribusiness industry supply chains as well as behavioural economic surveys of farmers.

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of $32,250.00 per annum pro rata (tax free), this amount will be indexed annually. The total value of the annual scholarships (stipend and fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a. Applicants will be supported in applying for supplemental funding.

The duration of the award shall be for three years with a possible extension of up to six months (maximum), assessed on a case-by case basis.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a candidate with undergraduate qualifications in agricultural economics, agribusiness, natural resources management, or an equivalent discipline. 

The candidate must have C class Australian license (or equivalent) and be comfortable driving and working in remote locations. Experience in value chain analysis and both data science and modelling are highly desirable.

Application process

Please contact us via the EOI form .

The EOI form supports the submission of the CV, academic transcripts, research experience, publication outputs and referees.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to contact the listed project lead with their current curriculum vitae, a summary of their research skills and experience and the reason they are interested in this specific project.

Enrolment Requirements

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

Dr Jacob Hawkins

Lecturer

[email protected]

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