Deakin University PhD Scholarship 2025 (Fully Funded) – Anti-Doping Among Women
Deakin University in Australia is offering a prestigious fully funded PhD scholarship through its Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program. This competitive opportunity focuses on understanding cultural, social, and structural factors influencing the use of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) among women athletes. The project is supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), making it a high-impact research pathway for students interested in sports science, gender studies, and public policy.
The research will be supervised by Associate Professor Matthew Dunn and conducted in collaboration with leading international institutions across Australia, Scotland, and Sweden, ensuring a rich academic and global research experience.
Key Details
Institution: Deakin University, Australia
Program: PhD (Higher Degree by Research)
Research Area: Anti-Doping Among Women Athletes
Funding: Fully funded (stipend, fee offset, allowances)
Eligibility: Domestic and international applicants
Deadline: Open until filled
Research Focus: Anti-Doping Among Women Athletes
The misuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids and other PIEDs among female athletes is a growing global concern. Evidence shows that coaches, trainers, and support staff can significantly influence an athlete’s decision-making around doping.
This PhD project will explore:
Cultural and societal pressures that lead to doping
The role of support personnel in shaping athlete behavior
Policy gaps and future directions for anti-doping frameworks
The goal is to generate research insights that strengthen global anti-doping policies, especially those affecting women.
International Collaboration
The project brings together experts from multiple world-class institutions:
Deakin University, Australia
Griffith University, Australia
Heriot-Watt University, Scotland
Linnaeus University, Sweden
Research Supervisory Team
A/Prof Matthew Dunn (Deakin)
A/Prof Severine Lamon (Deakin)
Dr Jonathan Robertson (Deakin)
Dr Timothy Piatkowski (Griffith)
Dr April Henning (Heriot-Watt)
Prof Jesper Andreasson (Linnaeus)
This collaborative structure allows candidates to work across diverse research environments and contribute to an international, multi-site project.
Scholarship Benefits
The HDR PhD Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support:
1. Stipend
$35,550 per annum (tax-free, 2025 rate)
Duration: Up to 3 years
2. Relocation Allowance
$500–$1,500 for eligible interstate applicants
3. Tuition Support
Full tuition fee offset for up to 4 years (international students)
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Provided for eligible international applicants
These benefits allow students to focus entirely on their research without financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
Open to:
Australian citizens
New Zealand citizens
Australian permanent residents
International applicants
2. Academic Background
Candidates must satisfy Deakin University’s PhD entry standards, including:
A First-Class Honours degree, or
A Master’s degree with a substantial research component
3. Study Mode
Full-time enrollment is mandatory throughout the PhD program.
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Send the following to Associate Professor Matthew Dunn via email:
A detailed CV
A strong cover letter highlighting:
Academic achievements
Relevant research experience
Motivation for applying
Fit with the project’s goals
Step 2: University Application
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal application through Deakin University’s HDR portal.
Why This Scholarship Matters
This PhD program offers a rare opportunity to contribute meaningful research to global anti-doping efforts, specifically addressing issues impacting women in sport. Candidates passionate about ethics, public health, cultural analysis, and sports science will find this project both impactful and career-defining.
FAQs
1. Is the Deakin University PhD scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It includes a stipend, tuition fee offset, relocation allowance, and OSHC for international students.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Both domestic and international candidates who meet academic entry requirements.
3. What is the main research topic?
The project investigates cultural, social, and support-staff factors contributing to doping among women athletes.
4. Is prior research experience required?
Yes. Applicants should demonstrate strong research capability, typically through an Honours or Master’s research component.
5. When is the deadline to apply?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications remain open until the position is filled.