This doctoral thesis will be undertaken within the supportive research environment of the Griffith Institute for Tourism within the Griffith Business School. This opportunity will be primarily based at Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join an innovative Australian‑Government funded research project that brings together leading experts in ecosystem monitoring, the carbon cycle, tourism, and sustainable business. This three‑year project aims to leverage the global tourism industry to catalyse climate and biodiversity action by supporting locally‑led ecosystem restoration initiatives. Advancing collaborative governance approaches, the project seeks to support a shift from unreliable carbon credits toward tangible and inspiring restoration activities situated at destinations. By linking core business values and requirements with the diverse benefits of ecosystem restoration, the research will develop innovative monitoring and engagement techniques- such as AI‑supported citizen science and storytelling- to foster deeper business commitment through active participation.

The PhD component will focus on the social science dimensions of business engagement and commitment. More specifically, it will extend existing theory on why tourism businesses participate in local nature restoration initiatives, and how such engagement generates business value and contributes to destination competitiveness. The doctoral research will examine motivations, values, commitment, and storytelling, and help identify opportunities to scale tourism involvement in ecosystem restoration projects. A central question of how common‑pool resources are best governed may also inform this business‑focused component of the project. The PhD candidate will be embedded within a collaborative, transdisciplinary research team and will work closely with project members and case‑study stakeholders to generate insights that advance both theory and practice.

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to undertake primary research based on previous experience with social science methods and analyses (both qualitative and quantitative). You will have evidence of a passion for nature conservation and sustainable tourism, with a strong desire to undertake research in advancing the tourism sector’s contribution to both biodiversity protection and climate action. An interest in complex problem solving and critical thinking is essential for this interdisciplinary research project.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and onshore international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with the Equivalent qualifications for HDR program admission. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19.

About the scholarship
The 2026 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $35,656 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). You will be placed in one of the globally leading tourism research institutes, the Griffith Institute for Tourism, known for its leading work on sustainable tourism and innovative research approaches. Griffith University is the No 1 for tourism in Australia.

EOI Process
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Sunday 26 April 2026 11:59pm AEST 

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line.

For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Susanne Becken
Phone: (0438) 636697
Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Phone: (07) 3735 3817
Email: [email protected]