This project will explore the extent to which areas on farms such as semi-natural vegetation, tree plantings, woodlands, and shelterbelts benefit producers through ecological mechanisms, such as enhancing pollinators or pest predators along with broader aesthetic and Indigenous cultural benefits. The outcome of this project will provide an improved understanding of the scale and relative importance of these benefits in the agricultural production landscape of northern New South Wales. This project will directly support horticulturalists in the region and guide future policy.
More information on the CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship Program is available here,
Student status:
The applicant must be accepted as a full-time domestic student into a PhD program at Charles Sturt University.
This scholarship is only applicable to domestic students (Australian Citizen, Permanent resident or special visa NZ).
Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $48,071 for the first year, indexed at 3% each subsequent year for a period of four years full-time study, payable in fortnightly instalments.
Tuition Fees: Fee exemption for a period equivalent to four years (eight sessions) for PhD at full-time study.
Operating Funds: Scholarship candidates will be provided with funds for a maximum period of four years to assist with the reimbursement of costs associated with a candidate's research.
The scholarship is tenable for four years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.
Scholarship candidates are entitled to 20 paid annual leave working days per year and 10 paid sick leave days per year and may be eligible for up to 12 weeks paid primary carer parental leave.
Applicants will be asked to apply for enrolment and the scholarship as follows:
Prospective Higher Degree by Research candidates can apply for the CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship when completing their Charles Sturt course admission application. When given the option to apply for a scholarship select Yes > Full-time AGRTP > Other > Enter CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship. Apply now
Applications close 15 December 2025.
Distinguished Professor Geoff Gurr
Ph: +61 2 6365 7551 / +61 417 480 375
Email: ggurr@csu.edu.au
