Federation University Australia Faculty of Health is offering 3 PhD scholarships to commence in semester 2, 2016 and invites applications from highly motivated, suitably qualified candidates for these fully funded scholarships. Water Safety/Drowning Prevention is one of the identified key priority areas. For information and application details, see the Federation University Australia website. Applications close on July 4th.
Aquatic activity is a common recreational pursuit in Australia and while encouraged for the health benefits it provides, safe aquatic recreation is a priority and the prevention of drowning a prime objective. Death by drowning remains a significant cause of accidental death in Australia, affecting all age groups. A PhD project could focus on any of the identified age groups (children aged 0-14 years; young people aged 15-24 years; males aged 25-44 years; or people aged over 65 years) in the Australian Water Safety Strategy.
The Faculty’s aquatics research group investigates issues in drowning prevention, water safety, aquatic education and swimming performance. The benefits of the group’s research are widely promulgated, and research outcomes are implemented in the real world by working closely with industry groups such as the Australian Water Safety Council, AUSTSWIM, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, Live Saving Victoria and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria.
The successful candidate will, in conjunction with supervisors, develop their own topic extending FedUni work in this area. Applicants must have well-developed research skills (mixed method or quantitative) with a background in a relevant discipline such as sports medicine, sports science, health promotion, or public health. For further information contact Associate Professor Jenny Blitvich or Dr Lauren Petrass.