Assessing the mineral security dimensions of poverty (two scholarships available)

Poverty, and its persistence, is a central question for humanity and along with human security has been the defining issue of the global community of nations since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. Over one billion people currently experience multi-dimensional poverty and after more than twenty years of dedicated action within the MDG and SDG frameworks, new approaches and points of entry are desperately needed.

One little-explored dimension of global poverty, that could provide such a new entry point is that of mineral security. Mineral security exists when all people have sufficient and affordable access to the minerals necessary for human development, including shelter, mobility, communication, energy and sustenance.

Project 1: Incorporating mineral security into multi-dimensional poverty assessments

This project will use social assessment techniques to understand the influence of mineral security on how the poor meet their basic needs. Existing survey tools used to measure poverty at the household and village/township level will be adapted. International fieldwork will be conducted in case study countries. Partnerships with United Nations agencies and research institutions will deepen the analysis and assist with field support.

Project 2: Developing a mineral security index for measuring poverty

This project will develop measurement tools and economic metrics to advance our understanding of global poverty and to support the development of a mineral security index. Existing composite economic indices used to measure and communicate the extent and distribution of poverty, human development and human security at the national scale will be studied to understand their role in responding to poverty, including their influence on international development programming.

The findings of both projects will support programme and policy responses of international development agencies, including potential future SDG targets.

You will be hosted at the Global Centre for Mineral Security at The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). The Centre is a group of social scientists, economists, geographers, ecologists, geologists, and engineers with hands-on development experience, dedicated to reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and enhancing sustainable development. The Centre works with a wide range of development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, The World Bank, the Pacific Community and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

UQ is the ideal institution to undertake the proposed research. UQ has the largest concentration of researchers internationally devoted to minerals and sustainable development and hosts the world-leading SMI, an interdisciplinary group of more than 300 staff and higher degree researchers dedicated to knowledge-based solutions for addressing the sustainability challenges in the global supply of minerals.

Established in 2001 by the Queensland State Government, SMI boasts substantial capability and an excellent research environment for the project, attracting around $50M in research funding per year (>350M since 2014) and hosting eight dedicated research centres. Since 2014, SMI has published >3000 publications and graduated more than 180 HDRs. In the past 5 years, SMI researchers have published 48 papers in Nature-indexed or Nature Portfolio journals. In partnership with Curtin University and James Cook University, UQ hosts the $140M Critical Minerals Trailblazer on behalf of the Australian Government and between 2011 and 2015 hosted the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s flagship $31M International Mining for Development Centre with the University of Western Australia.

The projects are part of an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship. Two scholarships are available, one for each project.

One scholarship is an Earmarked Scholarship open to domestic candidates, while the other is a Research Project Scholarship open to domestic and international candidates. Both domestic and international candidates are encouraged to apply for either project, with the scholarships assigned to the projects during the candidate selection process.

Candidates should indicate their preference in the application as to which of the two projects they would like to apply.

Both scholarships include: 

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• support to conduct international fieldwork as well as to present at international conferences.

In addition, the Research Project Scholarship includes:

• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

Project 1

A working knowledge of quantitative social science methods, including surveys, and field experience in developing country contexts would be of benefit to someone working on this project. The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of social sciences, development studies, international development, and sustainability and the potential for scholastic success. A background or knowledge of social impact assessment and minerals is highly desirable.

Project 2

A working knowledge of large numerical datasets, statistical analysis, and field experience in developing country contexts would be of benefit to someone working on this project.  The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of development economics, development studies, international development, and sustainability and the potential for scholastic success. A background or knowledge of human development indices is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Professor Daniel Franks (d.franks@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 2 December, 2024 2 December, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter MINERAL-FRANKS.

Apply now