Cultural heritage's presence in resource sector decision-making

This PhD scholarship opportunity is offered as part of the Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Training Centre program (ARC ITTC), which brings together industry and research partners in a highly collaborative, cohort based environment.

A core aim of the program is to support the development of a connected community of researchers and industry professionals through shared training, mentoring and engagement activities.

The ARC ITTC is hosted by Flinders University in collaboration with The University of Queensland and Southern Cross University. This PhD (as 1 of 4) is run from UQ. And it is part of a larger cohort of 13 PhDs, across the three universities. 
https://www.archaeologytrainingcentre.org

Part of the ARC’s purpose is to:

• Collaborate to create best practice cultural heritage management frameworks relevant to all phases of a mine’s life.
• Pioneer new ways of communicating the significance of archaeology and cultural heritage. 

A core question this PhD research project will explore is how archaeological and cultural heritage knowledge influences capital investment decisions in the resources sector. Based at The University of Queensland, you will undertake in-depth research with the Training Centre’s industry Partner Organisations, or other organisations, to explore how the organisational and institutional ecosystem within which CHM is practised influences decisions. This will also include the organisational and political ecosystem of Indigenous organisations, and the constraints and challenges that they are operating within.

In many mining companies, archaeology and cultural heritage experts are often isolated from key decision-makers. For example, the destruction of the Juukan Gorge site revealed serious problems in how archaeological findings are handled and how Indigenous heritage is protected. Legal rules and company structures failed to prevent the loss of this culturally significant site.

Through your research, you will investigate how mining companies can better integrate cultural heritage knowledge into their core business and decision processes. This will help protect Indigenous cultural heritage and improve respect for Indigenous rights in the mining industry.

This project aims to change how companies operate, making cultural heritage management a central part of the resources sector, and creating a fairer working environment for all involved.

The research has the potential to reform the organisational ecosystem within which CHM is practised in the Australian resources sector and ensure that CHM is integral to the mining industries ‘core business’ and to establish a more equitable operating environment.

• Unparalleled networking opportunities and research training within and across diverse organisations.
• Deep disciplinary expertise in archaeology enabling interaction in cultural knowledge exchange.
• Opportunities to contribute to the evolution of archaeology in the resources sector and Traditional Owners, and the broader field of social performance in mining.
• Holistic training for the next generation of archaeologists and social scientists strongly desired by employers worldwide.
• Placement with a partner organisation: A 12-month placement with a partner organisation provides practical insights and professional development.

You will be based at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) at UQ: 
https://smi.uq.edu.au/csrm

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

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

A working knowledge of applied cultural heritage protection and the resources sector would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field of social sciences: anthropology/archaeology/political science/human geography and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of Indigenous Australia and the resources sector, as well as experience working in remote areas and a current driver's licence, are highly desirable.

Equity criteria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 16 August, 2026 16 August, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Sarah Holcombe (s.holcombe@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CULTURAL-KEMP
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/cultural-heritages-presence-resource-sector-decision-making

Submit an EOI