Project Supervisor
Additional Supervisor
Location
Melbourne Burwood Campus. .
Research topic
The transition to alternative protein sources in Australia offers a promising solution for reducing the environmental footprint of traditional livestock farming, aligning with the goals of Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) to foster a sustainable circular economy. This research will assess the impacts of alternative proteins on land-use, the environmental, and the economy for Australia. The findings will support REACH’s mission to drive a national green manufacturing revolution and establish a multi-billion-dollar bio-economy in Australia and involve deep collaborations with industry partner Climateworks Centre, contributing to achieving a net-zero emissions future.
The project team will be led by Deakin Distinguished Professor Brett Bryan, in conjunction with Dr Michalis Hadjikakou and Dr Adam Cardilini from Deakin University. Collaborators from Climateworks Centre will include Jo Sanson and Dr Stefan Kaufman. Successful applicants must spend 3 months as part of an industry internship as part of this program.
Project aim
This research will explore the socio-ecological impacts of plant-based, cell-cultured, and fermentation-derived proteins across the full life-cycle by integrating key datasets on agricultural yields, environmental impacts, and economic factors into the Land Use Trade-Offs version 2 (LUTO 2) model. Scenarios will be run to evaluate how different levels of alternative protein adoption and substitution of livestock-based protein can influence land use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, biodiversity, and economic returns. The study will develop strategies for minimizing the trade-offs between agricultural production and environmental conservation, contributing to greener supply chains and an enhanced bio-economy. By identifying sustainable pathways that maximize environmental benefits while supporting economic viability and social acceptance, this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers.
Important dates
Applications close 5pm, Monday 18 November 2024.
Benefits
This scholarship is available over 3 years.
- Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
- Top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum tax exempt
- Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
- International students only: Tuition fees offset
for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible you must:
- be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
How to apply
Please email a CV, evidence of qualifications and a statement of purpose to Prof Brett Bryan. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Contact us
For more information about this scholarship, please contact Prof Brett Bryan
Prof Brett Bryan
Email Prof Brett Bryan
+61 3 924 68456