La Trobe University - Sheffield Hallam University Joint PhD Program Scholarship

La Trobe University is offering a graduate research scholarship for students to undertake a joint PhD with Sheffield Hallam University , UK.

Applications for this scholarship are now open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents newly enrolling in a PhD. 

Students undertaking the joint PhD program will be enrolled in a PhD at both institutions. Your supervisory team will comprise of academic staff from both institutions who will provide support and guidance throughout your research. As a student enrolled at both La Trobe and Sheffield Hallam, you will have access to services and support provided by both institutions, including a range of professional and personal development programs.

You will begin your studies at La Trobe University where you will spend the majority of your time, but with an expectation that you will spend typically 12 months at Sheffield Hallam University. Travel to and study at the host institution will be subject to the usual immigration requirements.

The joint PhD includes a tailored program of progress monitoring to fulfil the requirements of both institutions. All candidates will write and submit a thesis for defence by oral examination. On successful completion of the program requirements, you will be awarded a PhD jointly by both institutions.

The successful applicant can commence at any time with the support of your supervisor, at a La Trobe University campus, and willing to spend typically 12 months based in Sheffield, UK.

Projects will remain open until filled, and new opportunities will be posted below as they become available.

• a Research Training Program (RTP)  stipend for up to three and a half (3.5) years for a doctoral degree, with a value of $36,000 per annum (2026 rate)
• a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scholarship for up to four years for a doctoral degree
• a travel allowance to assist with travel between Melbourne and Sheffield, and personal expenses while residing in the UK
• an allowance to relocate to Melbourne to commence the degree and publication/ thesis allowance
• opportunities to work with outstanding researchers at La Trobe and Sheffield Hallam universities, and access to our suit of professional development programs

There are a number of joint PhD scholarship available to applicants from the range of projects listed below, competitively awarded and selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the selected project. Please contact the primary supervisor for more information about these projects.

Primary supervisor: Dr Kane Middleton

Other supervisors: Dr Danielle Vickery-Howe (LTU), Dr Joseph Stone (SHU), Professor Jon Wheat (SHU)

This PhD explores how people learn to move safely and maintain stability while carrying heavy loads; a key challenge in military training where injuries remain common. Using advanced movement analysis, treadmill and real-world testing, and progressive training studies, the successful candidate will investigate how experienced and novice load carriers differ, how the body responds to unexpected challenges, and how movement control adapts with repeated exposure. The research progresses from short-term responses to a three-month training programme, with the goal of identifying practical ways to improve load carriage technique, reduce injury risk, and support more effective military training.

Primary supervisor: Dr Ashkan Hafez Alkotob

Other supervisors: Dr Yasanur Kayikci (SHU), Dr Timothy Clune (LTU). Dr Caroline Millman (SHU)

Agricultural cold supply chains are vital to food security but highly energy-intensive, while SMEs struggle to finance renewable energy investments. This joint LTU–SHU PhD develops an advanced decision-support framework to guide crowdfunding investment toward renewable energy in cold supply chains. Adopting a mixed-methods design that combines stakeholder engagement with quantitative decision modelling, the research evaluates trade-offs between financial returns, emissions reduction, and operational reliability under varying policy and market conditions. Industry validation ensures real-world relevance and pathways to broader adoption across the agri-food sector.

Special conditions:

• A strong quantitative background (operations research, engineering, applied mathematics, economics/finance, or related) with demonstrated ability in mathematical modelling and data analysis
• Working proficiency in at least one modelling/programming environment, or capacity to develop this rapidly
• Willingness and capability to conduct qualitative fieldwork (stakeholder interviews) and engage with industry and policy stakeholders

In selecting successful applicants, we prioritise applications from candidates who:

Contact the primary supervisor listed against your preferred project to express your interest.