• The Gulbali Institute’s research focus for 2023 will be on growing its portfolio of projects to respond to biosecurity threats
• Charles Sturt is offering 15 full-fee HDR scholarships to PhD students to facilitate a new generation of researchers
• The scholarships are available on all campuses and focus on delivering impactful research in agriculture, water and environment

Charles Sturt University is growing its research capacity in 2023 through innovative and impactful projects through its Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment.

The University’s Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment was launched in Wagga Wagga in March 2022 and in Albury-Wodonga in May 2022.

The Gulbali Institute is focused on creating impactful research to deliver real-world solutions for farm productivity, agricultural and environmental management and climate change resilience and adaption.

Charles Sturt University is increasing its research capability in 2023 by offering 15 full-fee scholarships for prospective PhD students. The scholarship program will provide more than $500,000 in support.

Executive Director of the Gulbali Institute Professor Lee Baumgartner (pictured, inset) said the Gulbali Institute PhD Scholarships are an important investment by the Gulbali Institute to expand its strengths in applied research in agriculture, water, environment and First Nations.

He said this commitment further highlights the University’s vision to grow research by 2030 to deliver national and international benefits.

“In 2022, our scientists were involved in a range of ground-breaking work, from breeding threatened fish species for the first time, to helping the wine industry combat effects of bushfires, helping farmers to plan for haystack fires, improving livestock health and developing novel solutions to enhance soil health and crop productivity,” he said.

“Our scientists have developed an exciting suite of projects that students could seamlessly integrate into.”

“These projects align with our four key research programs – biosecurity; agricultural, food and beverage innovation; sustainable aquatic systems and cultural connection and environmental stewardship.”

Professor Baumgartner said there will be a focus on biosecurity solutions, First Nations ecological knowledge and the Murray-Darling Basin in 2023.

“In 2023, we are really focusing on growing our portfolio of projects and expanding our ability to respond to biosecurity threats,” he said.

“We are also looking to develop sustainable solar farms, improve water management across the Murray-Darling Basin and gain greater understanding of First Nations ecological knowledge, bush foods and medicine, among several new areas we are strategically exploring.”

Professor Baumgartner said the students can integrate into projects and raise the profile of the institute to contribute to high quality outputs.

“Impactful research is one of the cornerstones of Charles Sturt University’s standing as Australia’s leading regional university and having a strong cohort of PhD students is important for a high performing research institute,” he said.

“The PhD students will partner with our world leading scientists to tackle a range of grand challenges.”

Each scholarship is valued between $33,500 and $46,653 (tax free) per annum, to be paid in fortnightly instalments.

Expressions of interest close on Monday 30 January and successful students will be able to commence in March or August 2023.

The scholarships are open to domestic and international candidates. Prospective students can submit an expression of interest of obtain more information by emailing directorgulbali@csu.edu.au.