PhD scholarship opportunity. Adaptation of livestock production systems to climate change and towards carbon neutrality
Matthew Harrison
Project background:
The project will explore the nexus between profitability, sheep and beef productivity, greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon sequestration of livestock businesses in an increasingly variable climate. The successful candidate will be required to conduct an integrated assessment including farm case studies in regions throughout Australia.
The study will identify farming systems adaptations that are profitable, environmentally sustainable and targeted towards future market opportunities, with particular emphasis on pathways to a carbon neutral red meat sector by 2030. Adaptation options will explore pasture feedbase options (e.g. new legumes and grasses), animal genetics (e.g. low methane genotypes), new technology (e.g. virtual fencing) and management options, as well as options to capture value from emerging carbon markets.
Through computer modelling and work with farmers, the project will inform future research and development investment in grazing systems with higher resilience to climate change and challenges across Australia. The project will provide a series of farm systems that can be used to either demonstrate or research options to raise profitability and mitigate whole farm GHG emissions under a changing climate.
Funding:
A living allowance scholarship of $28,092pa (2020 rate) as well as a fully-funded tuition scholarship will be considered for an outstanding applicant. The scholarship duration is 3.5 years, with no extension.
Eligibility:
- The candidate must have an Honours Class 1, Masters by Research (or equivalent) and have undertaken an IELTS test within the last 12 months. Applicants must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
- After COVID-19 travel restrictions ease, the candidate will be required to relocate to Tasmania, Australia, for the duration of the PhD.
Additional information on the project can be found here: https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-phd-projects/phd-projects/college-of-sciences-and-engineering/tasmanian-institute-of-agriculture/pathways-to-a-carbon-neutral-livestock-industry-by-2030
Questions may be directed to:
Associate Professor Matthew Harrison
Systems Modelling Team Leader
Tasmanian Institute for Agriculture, University of Tasmania
Australia
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