Global Change Scholars Program

Our Global Change Scholars Program cultivates future research leaders.

Each year the UQ Graduate School invites PhD students to develop their expertise in transdisciplinary research for real-world impact.

Through a series of seminars and workshops, students build skills in creative problem-solving, collaboration and research design. The program includes a team-based placement during which scholars work with an external partner to understand and respond to a real-world issue.

This unique placement is an opportunity for PhD students to apply their knowledge and skills outside of their area of expertise and respond to some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Global Change Scholars have delivered reports on issues related to environmental protection, social services, and the arts, among others.

The program highlights the value of research impact beyond the academic context. As a Global Change Scholar, you will gain insights from UQ’s Global Change Institute and other academic staff, as well as external research professionals and industry partners.

The Global Change Scholars Program runs concurrently with your PhD. You will need to participate in at least 80% of the activities to successfully complete the program.

Where

The program is delivered in person at UQ's St Lucia campus. 

Duration

12 months (August 2023 to July 2024).

Commitment

Up to 60 days, including approximately 16 hours of workshops per research quarter plus work on the placement project.

Timetable

We meet on Thursday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at St Lucia. The program begins with a full-day retreat at UQ’s Queen Street location and ends with an evening event at St Lucia.

The program will help you to:

  • Enhance project management and teamwork skills
  • Develop creative, transdisciplinary and co-design research expertise
  • Experience collaborating with an external industry partner
  • Enhance research leadership and communication skills

If you successfully complete the program, you’ll be eligible for:

  • a 6-month tuition extension
  • a 6-month stipend extension if you receive an approved UQ scholarship

The Global Change Scholars Program is open to all UQ PhD candidates in the first 12 months of their candidature.

The program is not recommended for anyone planning to undertake a Graduate School placement or internship, as a placement component is included in the program.

Also, the program may not be suitable for anyone involved in institute development programs.

Key dates for 2023

April 17: Invitation to apply sent to eligible HDR students.

April 27: Global Change Scholars Program information session – tentative date.

May 14: Applications close.

July 27: 2023 program commences.

Eligible students will receive a link to an online application form. 

To apply, you’ll need to provide details of your PhD program, answer a few short questions and upload a CV.

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. The committee ranks applications according to two criteria:

  • Academic and professional achievements
  • Program fit with career aspirations

  Shortlisted candidates are invited to a short interview with the program coordinator. Successful candidates are notified via email.

If you have questions about the program, contact the Global Change Scholars Program Team.

Email: graduateschool@uq.edu.au 
Phone: +61 7 3346 0503

If you have questions about the program, contact the Global Change Scholars Program Team:

Email:  graduateschool@uq.edu.au 

Team members

Dr Skye Doherty

Global Change Scholars Program Coordinator

Samantha Smith

Global Change Scholars Program Engagement Coordinator

GCSP Showcase highlights

Watch highlights and interviews from the 2022-23 Global Change Scholars Industry showcase.

View industry reports via the Global Change Scholars Collection on
UQ-eSpace.

Solve real-world problems

Watch the video to learn more about our program's 60-day Industry Challenge, where students work in a transdisciplinary team to help an industry partner solve a real-world problem.

 

Meet our scholars

The 2023-24 Global Change Scholars Program included 28 PhD candidates drawn from across the University.

The candidates came from a range of research backgrounds and contributed their knowledge and expertise to the program.

Meet the candidates

 

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