This Master of Philosophy or PhD project investigates how regional communities navigate circular economy transitions and respond to new waste infrastructure. Using deliberative methods such as citizens’ juries and participatory workshops, it co-develops locally grounded visions for sustainable futures. Opportunities include fieldwork, policy engagement, and collaboration with councils—providing insights into the social dynamics shaping circular waste transitions.
This is an opportunity for a Master of Philosophy or PhD project.
Developing more circular approaches to manage waste is critical in addressing sustainability challenges, yet current models often fail to engage with the complex social, economic, and environmental dynamics of local communities. As global economies seek to transform waste management and resource use, regional communities are increasingly becoming sites for circular economy infrastructures. These projects have, at times, generated community resistance or contestation over environmental impacts, equity, amenity and belonging. This project will investigate these community responses and the contested dynamics that shape circular waste infrastructures.
The research explores the lived realities of circular economy implementation, focusing on how regional communities understand, experience, and enact new approaches to waste and material practices. By examining these everyday experiences, the research moves beyond abstract policy frameworks to uncover the nuanced ways communities engage with circular economy principles.
The project invites investigation into how circular waste initiatives are shaped by local contexts and community agency. It will consider how different population segments (e.g. younger and older generations) evaluate trade-offs between big picture environmental challenges (such as plastic pollution) and local impacts of infrastructure siting on local environments and livelihoods.
A key innovation of this project is its use of deliberative methods, such as citizens’ juries, community panels, and participatory workshops, to work collaboratively with communities in shaping circular economy directions. These approaches offer new ways to understand how regional communities negotiate material challenges, envision sustainable futures, and participate meaningfully in policy and planning processes.
Candidates with the following interest and expertise are encouraged to apply:
- Innovations in circular economy policy and practice (e.g. waste management and resource recovery strategies, community-led circular economy initiatives, sustainable infrastructure design, circular business models, low-carbon technological innovations)
- Innovations in community engagement and deliberative governance (e.g. through approaches including citizens’ juries, participatory workshops, scenario building, place-based engagement, deliberative mapping)
The candidate will be enrolled on campus at the University of Wollongong in the Discipline of Geography and Sustainability and the Australian Centre for Culture, Environment, Society and Space (ACCESS). The project offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, regional fieldwork, and meaningful partnerships with local governments and community organisations.
Faculty: Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
Study area: Business, Environmental & Biological Science, Health, Humanities & Social Inquiry, Social Sciences & Advocacy
Student type: Domestic students
Student status: Current student, Future Students
Scholarship amount
UOW Base Rate ($36,943 per annum for 2026)
Duration
PhD 3.5 years & Master of Philosophy 2 years
Application process
Applicants must provide a CV and a cover letter (maximum of 1000 words) outlining:
- their research interests and experience,
- and a proposed research topic that aligns with the project scope. The applicant must provide the names and contact details of at least two referees.
Applications should be submitted to Dr Elyse Stanes via email to elyse_stanes@uow.edu.au by the 15 January, 2026 deadline to be considered in the first round.
Following a selection process, the preferred candidate will then be invited t'o apply for admission to University of Wollongong.
Eligibility requirements
The selection process for this award at the University of Wollongong considers the candidates’ academic merits, research experience and interests. Essential criteria:
Prerequisite for PhD: Bachelor’s degree with Honours (1st Class), Master by Research degree or Masters of Coursework degree with substantial thesis component with a substantial interdisciplinary research component in fields of human geography, social, political and/or natural sciences or social marketing/business or psychology.
Prerequisite for Master of Philosophy: Bachelor’s degree with Honours (2nd Class Division 1 or higher) or Master of Coursework degree with a substantial interdisciplinary research component in fields of human geography, social, political and/or natural sciences or social marketing/business or psychology.
Demonstrated experience in extended fieldwork conducting quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, ideally experimenting with innovative research methods that are fun, participatory and engaging for communities.
Theoretical understanding of circular economy transitions or sustainability transitions, participatory governance, or social relations, and how these intersect to influence community experiences, environmental change, and sustainable futures.
Evidence of publications or reports in written form.
Ability to travel for fieldwork.
Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.
Application closing date
15 January 2026
Contact information
Elyse Stanes