Investigating traditional Mithaka water management systems

This project aims to discover how Indigenous communities managed cycles of drought and flood in the Lake Eyre Basin, and to learn from this to manage Australia’s inland rivers sustainably. You will undertake palaeoenvironmental investigations of Mithaka water management systems and reconstruct how they influenced channel flow and supported Mithaka society. You will work with CIs and PIN and Mithaka rangers to build a new history of Mithaka water management. 

The UQ School of Social Science has extensive laboratories and field stores to support this project. In addition, we have strong links with the School of Environment, who are well equipped to support this research. 

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered.

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme 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 environmental management and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of archaeology, geomorphology, or geography or a related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of earth sciences is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

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 Professor Michael Westaway (m.westaway@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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: MITHAKA-WESTAWAY
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/investigating-traditional-mithaka-water-management-systems

Submit an EOI