Student research opportunities at Climate Change Cluster (C3) are many and varied. As an internationally renowned marine institute, C3 researchers work across a diverse range of aquatic ecosystems and are well connected with government and industry.
Postgraduate and research
Get in touch
Interested in postgraduate research with C3? Take the first step and get in contact with a team leader below.
Algal Biosystems and Biotechnology
Linked to the biotechnology sector, we aim to develop algae and their derivatives into innovative green and clean technologies. Learn more about Algal Biosystems and Biotechnology.
Contact: Deputy Team Leader Mathieu Pernice
Future Reefs
The Future Reefs research team studies reef-forming corals, the organisms that sustain the entire productivity and biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems. Learn more about Future Reefs.
Contact: Team Leader Emma Camp
Ocean Microbiology
The Ocean Microbiology team studies the ocean’s smallest inhabitants – the micro-organisms. Learn more about Ocean Microbiology.
Contact: Team Leader Justin Seymour
Productive Coasts
The Productive Coasts team studies the emergent traits of photosynthetic algae in different environments. Learn more about Productive Coasts.
Contact: Team Leader Martina Doblin
Our research students
Read the stories of some of our research students:
Raissa Gill
Doctor of Philosophy, Productive Coasts
Raissa Gill's research is understanding how bushfires influence the microbial ecology of estuaries in NSW.
"After graduation I aspire to be a research scientist and to lead a team of my own."
Shawn Price
Doctor of Philosophy, Algal biotechnology
Shawn Price is exploring how to make bioplastics using cyanobacteria (photosynthetic microorganisms), which use atmospheric CO2 as their feed source.
"My research topic has given me speciality knowledge in sustainability, biotechnology and bioenergy."
Nathan Williams
Doctor of Philosophy, Ocean Microbiology
Nathan Williams is researching the microbial ecology within the seawater of coastal environments with a strong focus on pathogenic bacteria and bacteria associated with pollutants in stormwater and sewage overflow.
"I have learnt new ways to look at the environment around me."
Caitlin Lawson
Doctor of Philosophy, Future Reefs
Caitlin Lawson specialises in understanding and exploring the volatile metabolites produced by corals, which have the potential to aid in the healthy functioning of coral reef ecosystems.
"I like to think my area of study fits into a much broader category."
C3 research is meaningful and practical, addressing environmental and societal issues facing Australia and other countries in a changing climate. With our cross-disciplinary research expertise, we welcome enquiries from suitably-qualified people with mathematics, chemistry, physics and engineering backgrounds for:
Postgraduate research degrees
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidature is a three-year full-time, or six-year part-time, degree. The Master of Science (Research) and Masters of Science (Coursework) are two year full-time, or four year part-time, degrees which in some cases can provide a pathway to a PhD. All are considered postgraduate degrees with UTS Science. Note that the option to undertake a research project as part of the Masters of Science by Coursework program is subject to approval by the Faculty of Science.
How to apply
Students who wish to complete their postgraduate studies with C3 should first
- Identify a potential supervisor and project from the C3 Members and Research Programs pages
- Consult UTS Graduate Research School about applying to study at UTS as a postgraduate research student
- Speak to a potential supervisor before proceeding with an application as outlined in UTS Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
Scholarships for research
To join C3’s world class research team apply for postgraduate research scholarships offered through UTS Science:
- Domestic students - APA scholarship applications close on 31 October each year
- International students - IPRS scholarship applications close on 20 August each year
UTS Science offers competitive tax-free scholarship stipends with additional benefits including:
- $2,500 per annum allocated as project support grant including conference travel support (subject to faculty approval)
- A desktop computer and workspace
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
Subject to conditions, successful C3 candidates can receive an additional $3,000 per annum to support research and collaboration activities during their candidature.
Find out more
Application and Scholarship deadlines