Media Representation & Public Perception of RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics in Australia
PhD Scholarship
This project will examine how RNA vaccines and therapeutics have been portrayed in Australian media and how these messages shape public understanding, trust, and attitudes.
The candidate will analyse major media coverage over the past decade alongside survey‑based insights from Australian publics to understand how communication, context, and local factors influence perceptions of RNA‑based science. The project provides an opportunity to work at the interface of strategic communication, sociology, public health messaging, and digital media analysis, supported by a supervisory team with expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods research approaches.
This scholarship is aligned with the NSW RNA Research & Training Network (NSW‑RRTN), a NSW Government–supported collaborative initiative uniting 12 universities and research institutes to build research, training, and workforce capability in RNA science and technology.
By joining this project, the candidate becomes part of a multidisciplinary team contributing to Australia’s expanding RNA ecosystem, including access to NSW‑RRTN training, networking, and strategic capability‑building initiatives.
PhD Scholarship details
Funding: Funding: $38,938 per annum (2026 rate) indexed annually. For a PhD candidate, the living allowance scholarship and tuition fee scholarship are for 3.5 years. Scholarships also include up to $1,500 relocation allowance.
Supervisor: Dr Elaine Xu, Co-supervisors A/Prof Caragh Brosnan; Dr Lex Xia
Available to: Domestic and International students
PhD
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree with Honours (Class I or II Division I) or equivalent in communication, media studies, sociology, public health, psychology, or a related discipline. Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods, survey design, or media analysis is advantageous. The applicant will need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admission
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should send an email expressing their 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 01 January 2018 Apply Now
- Contact: Dr Elaine Xu
- Phone: +61 2 4033 9238
- Email: Elaine.xu@newcastle.edu.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.