Fully Funded: Deakin University HDR PhD Scholarship 2025

Deakin University is now inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship under the High Degree by Research (HDR) program on the critical topic of anti-doping among women athletes. This unique opportunity is supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and focuses on the complex psycho-social and cultural factors influencing the use or avoidance of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) among women.

Led by Associate Professor Matthew Dunn, the project offers an interdisciplinary and international research platform with collaborators from Australia, the UK, and Sweden.

Degree Level

PhD-level programs at Deakin University.

Available Subjects

#1. Research Focus

There is growing global concern about the increased use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and other PIEDs among women. Research shows that support personnel—including coaches, trainers, and even partners—play a key role in either encouraging or deterring such use.

This qualitative PhD project, built through co-design with anti-doping and sports organizations, will:

1. Investigate the role of support personnel in PIED use and prevention
2. Explore the psycho-socio-cultural dynamics that influence female athletes’ decisions regarding doping
3. Contribute to policy recommendations for anti-doping organizations worldwide

#2. International Collaboration

This PhD is part of a multi-site project conducted in:

1. Australia (Deakin University, Griffith University)
2. Scotland (Heriot-Watt University)
3. Sweden (Linnaeus University)

The research team includes renowned scholars:

1. A/Prof Matthew Dunn (Deakin)
2. A/Prof Severine Lamon (Deakin)
3. Dr Jonathan Robertson (Deakin)
4. Dr Timothy Piatkowski (Griffith)
5. Dr April Henning (Heriot-Watt)
6. Prof Jesper Andreasson (Linnaeus)

Benefits

1. Stipend: $35,550 per annum (tax-free, 2025 rate) for 3 years
2. Relocation allowance: $500–$1500 (for interstate applicants)
3. Tuition fee offset (4 years) for international students
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international candidates

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

1. Be a domestic (Australian/New Zealand citizens or PR) or international applicant
2. Meet Deakin’s PhD entry requirements, including:

A- First-class Honours degree OR

B- Master’s degree with a significant research component

1. Commit to full-time PhD enrollment