Program Overview

Introduction to the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) First Nations HDR Scholarship

The University of Newcastle offers a higher degree research scholarship through its Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program. This scholarship enables students from a wide range of disciplines to research the impacts and opportunities of the clean energy transition for First Nations communities.

PhD Scholarship Details

• Funding: The scholarship offers a living allowance of $52,352 per annum, indexed annually, for 3.5 years for PhD candidates and 1.75 years for MPhil candidates.
• Relocation Allowance: Up to $1,500 is provided for relocation.
• Available to: Domestic students, either PhD or MPhil.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must:

• Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and complete the University of Newcastle's Establishing Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander status process.
• Meet the eligibility requirements for either a research MPhil or PhD degree. Significant work experience in a relevant sector may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Program Aims

The program aims to:

• Enable Indigenous-led research on clean energy transitions and projects.
• Develop leadership pathways and strengthen the First Nations research community.
• Support research on clean energy that aligns with the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.
• Ensure First Nations communities benefit from emissions reduction projects happening on Country, in line with Australia's national research goals.

Research Areas

Example topics include:

• REZ Long-Term Benefits: How can First Nations communities keep benefiting from Renewable Energy Zones after construction is completed?
• Rooftop Solar Challenges: What are the issues with installing rooftop solar on First Nations housing, and how can communities feel ownership of these projects?
• Training and Jobs: What barriers do regional and remote First Nations communities face in getting training and jobs in clean energy, and what opportunities exist?
• Nature Positive Solutions: How to co-locate renewable energy projects with nature positive initiatives that involve traditional land stewardship provided by First Nations custodians.
• Blueprint for First Nations Community Ownership: Develop a roadmap for First Nations communities to own clean energy projects on Country by exploring best-practice models of social and cultural engagement, advocacy, agency, and justice.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit their expression of interest along with scanned copies of their academic transcripts, CV, a brief statement of their research interests, and a proposal that specifically links them to the research project. Applications close on December 31, 2025.