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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.

Project 2

Project 2

Surviving the freeze: unlocking genetic adaptation to frost in a changing climate

Frost damage is estimated to cost the Australian grains industry $360 M per year in lost production.

New research will focus on frost resilience, identifying novel opportunities for genetic adaptation in a changing environment.

This research will have a multidisciplinary approach to develop understanding of wheat adaptation to frost and genetic tools to enhance breeding strategies for resilient genotypes, by combining crop physiology, genetic diversity, and agronomy.

The successful candidate will be supervised by an established, successful and industry focused team of research scientists, with direct linkages to a national research project within the current frost investments from GRDC. An attractive scholarship package is available with a 3-year CSU stipend + GRDC Top-Up stipend along with annual operating and travel budget.

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.

    Both projects 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 2 is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in crop physiology and agronomy, plant breeding, or molecular biology. Applicants should hold a First-Class Honours, Research Master’s degree, or equivalent.

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.

Project 2

The scholarship provides a primary scholarship from CSU of $35,000 per annum. Additionally, there is a top-up scholarship from GRDC amounting to $34,850 per annum for 3 years, totalling $69,850.

  • Stipend: This scholarship is valued at $69,850 per annum (CSU $35,000 pa plus GRDC top-up $34,850 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

Project 1

Prospective applicants should contact Sergio Moroni before submitting a formal application for enrolment.

After contacting Sergio Moroni, 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 - Project 1.

Project 2

Prospective applicants should contact Felicity Harris before submitting a formal application for enrolment.

After contacting Felicity Harris, 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 - Project 2.

Application timelines

Project 1

Applications will remain open until successful candidates have been selected.

Project 2

Applications close Friday 2 May 2025.

Contacts

Sergio Moroni - smoroni@csu.edu.au

Felicity Harris -  fharris@csu.edu.au