2024 RTP round - Cycling towards Net Zero Futures

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Urban cycling is set to play a role in the efforts to decarbonise the transport sector. Currently, transportation accounts for approximately one-fifth of Australia's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and it is the fastest-growing sector in terms of emissions. It is becoming increasingly evident among transport planners and policymakers that simply electrifying private vehicles is not enough to achieve decarbonization goals in cities. Active travel, specifically cycling, is now being acknowledged as a significant contributor to decarbonising urban transportation. However, Australian cities are characterised by car-centric environments, posing challenges to promoting urban cycling. Emerging trends, such as the electrification of bicycles, the integration of cycling into digital urbanism, and the development of new markets and roles for urban cycling, including inner-city freight, hold the potential to accelerate the shift towards increased bicycle usage as a primary mode of transportation. To fully support the transition to net-zero transport systems, improved planning, resource allocation, and advocacy for cycling are essential.
This scholarship aims to contribute knowledge to positioning urban cycling as a key task in decarbonising transport in Australian cities. The scholarship can be used to inform a range of relevant issues including bicycle planning; adoption and use of e-bikes; cargo bike mobilities; velo-mobility for urban freight; the datafication of cycling; smart digital cycling; encouraging diverse participation in cycling; cycling advocacy and politics; and the intersections between micromobility and cycling. By examining these various facets of urban cycling, this scholarship seeks to provide valuable insights and recommendations for fostering sustainable and low-carbon transportation systems in Australian cities. 

This scholarship aims to deepen our understanding of urban cycling's role in achieving the decarbonisation of transport systems in Australian cities. 

The scholarship can address one or more of the following objectives:
• Assess the potential impact of increased urban cycling on reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality in Australian cities.
• Examine the intersection of urban cycling, infrastructure development, and urban planning to support decarbonisation efforts.
• Explore strategies to enhance safety, accessibility, and comfort for bicyclists within existing infrastructure.
• Investigate potential solutions to overcome barriers and challenges in promoting cycling as a viable transportation option.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing programs and initiatives aimed at promoting cycling in Australian cities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop innovative strategies for integrating cycling into urban planning and transportation systems. 

This HDR scholarship research is significant because it contributes knowledge to a key task in transitioning cities to net zero through decarbonising the transport sector and to furthering the sustainability of Australian cities. 

 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Humanities

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

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

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6 month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

• The applicant should have a postgraduate degree with distinction or an Honours degree in the fields of urban planning/geography or a cognate discipline.
• Evidence of research publication is recommended.
• Experience working in research projects is preferred.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods is preferred. 

Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

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

To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead, Courtney Babb via the EOI form above.

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