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GRDC Research Scholarships

Project 1

Project 1

Developing new genetic approaches to decreasing the reproductive frost sensitivity of wheat

Frosts during flowering severely impact wheat yields, causing significant losses each year. This project will employ molecular and physiological approaches to investigate the variation in frost hardiness among wheat germplasm.

Frosts at flowering severely reduce wheat yields, costing hundreds of millions annually. Wheat germplasm varies in winter hardiness and frost tolerance. This CSU and CSIRO project explores the genetics of reproductive frost tolerance to identify markers and genes for improving wheat performance in frost conditions. The goal is to enhance frost tolerance through germplasm selection and targeted gene manipulation.

The PhD will investigate the genetics, molecular biology, and physiology of wheat's frost response, supported by a 3-year CSU scholarship with a GRDC Top-Up.

To be eligible to receive the scholarship, applicants must be:

  1. Student Status: The applicant must be accepted as a full-time student into a PhD program at Charles Sturt University.

    Project 1 will receive applications from both domestic (Australian Citizen, Permanent resident or special visa NZ) and international students.

  2. Student Background: 
  • Project 1 suits candidates with a strong interest in plant physiology, crop science, plant breeding, or molecular biology. Applicants should hold a First-Class Honours, Research Master’s degree, or equivalent. A motivated student with expertise in crop physiology, molecular biology, or plant breeding is preferred.
  • The work includes controlled environment and laboratory tasks, with some weekend and travel commitments. The PhD focus will align with the candidate’s background and expertise.

Project 1

The scholarship provides a primary scholarship from CSU of $35,000 per annum. Additionally, there is a top-up scholarship from GRDC amounting to $23,833 per annum for 3 years, totalling $58,833.

Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $58,833 per annum (CSU $35,000 pa plus GRDC top-up $23,833 pa) payable in fortnightly instalments.

Tuition Fees: Fee exemption for a period equivalent to three years (six sessions) for PhD at full-time study.

Operating Funds: Scholarship candidates can access operating and travel funds via the project.

The scholarship is tenable for three 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, however are not eligible for paid primary parental care leave or additional personal leave.

How to apply

Applicants will need to apply for enrolment.

Prospective Higher Degree by Research candidates can apply for the CSU Scholarship & GRDC Research Scholarship – Top Up Scholarship when completing their Charles Sturt course admission application. When given the option to apply for a scholarship select 'Yes'; 'Full-time AGRTP' and 'Other'. Under 'Other' enter CSU Scholarship & GRDC Research Scholarship – Top Up.

Application timelines

Applications will remain open until successful candidates have been selected

Contact

Sergio Moroni - smoroni@csu.edu.au