Our Global Change Scholars Program cultivates future research leaders.
Each year the UQ Graduate School invites PhD students to develop their expertise in transdisciplinary research for real-world impact.
Through a series of seminars and workshops, students build skills in creative problem-solving, collaboration and research design. The program includes a team-based placement during which scholars work with an external partner to understand and respond to a real-world issue.
This unique placement is an opportunity for PhD students to apply their knowledge and skills outside of their area of expertise and respond to some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Global Change Scholars have delivered reports on issues related to environmental protection, social services, and the arts, among others.
The program highlights the value of research impact beyond the academic context. As a Global Change Scholar, you will gain insights from UQ’s Global Change Institute and other academic staff, as well as external research professionals and industry partners.
The Global Change Scholars Program runs concurrently with your PhD. You will need to participate in at least 80% of the activities to successfully complete the program.
Where / When
The program is delivered in person at UQ's St Lucia campus on Thursday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm.
Commitment
60 days.
The program will help you to:
- Enhance project management and teamwork skills
- Develop creative, transdisciplinary and co-design research expertise
- Experience collaborating with an external industry partner
- Enhance research leadership and communication skills
If you successfully complete the program, you’ll be eligible for:
- a 6-month tuition extension, up to a maximum of 4 years FTE, as per UQ scholarship rules.
- a 6-month base living stipend extension, up to a maximum of 4 years FTE, if you are in receipt of an approved UQ scholarship.
The Global Change Scholars Program is open to all UQ PhD candidates in the first 12 months of their candidature.
The program is not recommended for anyone planning to undertake a Graduate School placement or internship, as a placement component is included in the program.
Also, the program may not be suitable for anyone involved in institute development programs.
If you have questions about the program, contact the Global Change Scholars Program Team:
Email: gcsp@uq.edu.au
Team members
Dr Skye Doherty - Global Change Scholars Program Coordinator
Samantha Smith - Global Change Scholars Program Engagement Coordinator
Reports by Global Change Scholars teams have informed strategy at partner organisations and have provided evidence to support policy submissions. Scholars have also presented findings at international conferences.
View industry reports via the Global Change Scholars Collection on UQ-eSpace.
GCSP Showcase highlights
Watch highlights and interviews from the 2022-23 Global Change Scholars Industry showcase.
View industry reports via the Global Change Scholars Collection on
UQ-eSpace.
Solve real-world problems
Watch the video to learn more about our program's 60-day Industry Challenge, where students work in a transdisciplinary team to help an industry partner solve a real-world problem.
Meet our scholars
The 2024 Global Change Scholars Program included 27 PhD candidates drawn from across the University.
The candidates came from a range of research backgrounds and contributed their knowledge and expertise to the program.
Meet the candidates
Partner with us
Collaborate with PhD students to develop solutions to your industry challenges.