HDR Scholarship 2025 – Anti-Doping Among Women, Australia

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Deakin University – Anti-Doping Among Women 2025

Deakin University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the field of anti-doping among women athletes. This position is offered under the HDR (Higher Degree by Research) program and is supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The project will explore the psycho-social and cultural factors that influence the use or avoidance of performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) among women athletes.

Supervised by Associate Professor Matthew Dunn, the PhD project is part of a broader international and interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions in Australia, the UK, and Sweden.

Host University: Deakin University, Australia
Funded by: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
Program: HDR (Higher Degree by Research)
Degree Level: PhD
Research Focus: Anti-Doping Among Women Athletes
Eligible Applicants: Domestic & International Students
Location: Australia

Research Focus

The increasing use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and other PIEDs among women has raised serious global concerns. Research shows that support personnel such as coaches, trainers, and even family members play a pivotal role in influencing decisions related to doping.

This qualitative research project, developed in collaboration with anti-doping and sports organizations, will:

• Investigate how support personnel influence PIED use and prevention

• Examine the psycho-socio-cultural dynamics shaping female athletes’ doping decisions

• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations for global anti-doping efforts

Participating Institutions

• Deakin University and Griffith University – Australia

• Heriot-Watt University – Scotland

• Linnaeus University – Sweden

Supervisory Team

• Associate Professor Matthew Dunn (Deakin)

• Associate Professor Severine Lamon (Deakin)

• Dr. Jonathan Robertson (Deakin)

• Dr. Timothy Piatkowski (Griffith)

• Dr. April Henning (Heriot-Watt)

• Professor Jesper Andreasson (Linnaeus)

Scholarship Benefits

• Annual tax-free stipend of AUD $35,550 (2025 rate) for three years

• Relocation allowance of AUD $500–$1,500 (for interstate applicants)

• Full tuition fee waiver for up to four years (for international students)

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international applicants

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be either a domestic applicant (Australian/New Zealand citizens or permanent residents) or an international student

• Meet Deakin University’s PhD admission criteria, which include:

  • A First-Class Honours degree, or

  • A Master’s degree with a significant research component

• Be committed to enrolling full-time in the PhD program

Application Process

To apply:

1. Email your CV and cover letter to Associate Professor Matthew Dunn

   • Include academic qualifications, research experience, publications, and relevant skills

2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a formal application through Deakin University’s admissions portal

Final Thoughts

This is a valuable opportunity for students interested in sports science, gender studies, health sociology, and public policy. If you’re passionate about addressing the ethical and cultural challenges of doping in women’s sports, apply today and become part of a transformative research project with global impact.