University of Wollongong Offers PhD Scholarship on Gender-Based Violence in the Workplace The University of Wollongong has announced a funded PhD scholarship for an interdisciplinary research project examining gender-based violence in the context of work, with a focus on reporting systems, help-seeking behaviours, and access to justice for structurally disadvantaged workers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The scholarship is part of the university’s broader Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Doctoral Training Program and is based within the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business. Applications for the programme close on 29 June 2026. The project is designed to generate original, policy-relevant research on workplace-related gender-based violence and to contribute to improved legal, organisational, and community responses for affected workers. Focus on Gender-Based Violence in Work Settings Gender-based violence in the workplace is recognised as a significant but often under-researched social and policy issue. The PhD project will explore a wide range of harmful behaviours that occur in or are connected to employment environments. These include sexual harassment, coercive and controlling behaviours, stalking, image-based abuse, threats, intimidation, and other forms of gendered violence and abuse. The university noted that these experiences are not evenly distributed across the workforce. Instead, they disproportionately affect workers facing structural disadvantage, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, migrant and refugee workers, LGBTQ+ individuals, workers with disability, young workers, and those in casual, temporary, or precarious employment. The research aims to examine how these groups experience barriers when reporting incidents of gender-based violence and when seeking support through legal, organisational, and community-based systems. Research Aims and Policy Relevance The PhD project is expected to produce evidence-based insights that can inform law reform, service delivery improvements, and policy development. Key areas of investigation may include: Barriers to reporting workplace gender-based violence among marginalised workers Experiences of help-seeking and access to justice systems Effectiveness of integrated legal and social service responses Structural and systemic reforms to improve equity and accessibility in reporting mechanisms The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to research with direct relevance to policymakers, legal practitioners, and social service providers working in the area of workplace safety and gender equality. The university emphasised that the project should produce practice-oriented outcomes with real-world impact, particularly in improving responses to gender-based violence in employment contexts. Interdisciplinary Research Environment The scholarship will be supervised by a cross-disciplinary academic team consisting of Associate Professor Sarah Ailwood, Dr Rachel Loney-Howes, and Dr Laura Vidal. The research will be conducted within an interdisciplinary academic environment spanning law, criminology, sociology, and social work. This structure is intended to support a holistic approach to understanding gender-based violence in workplace settings. The project is also embedded within the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Doctoral Training Program, which provides a structured research and training environment for doctoral candidates working on related issues. Students will have opportunities to engage with community organisations, legal services, and policy stakeholders, strengthening the applied and policy-facing dimensions of their research. Funding and Duration The PhD scholarship provides funding at the UOW base rate of AUD $36,943 per annum (2026 rate) for a duration of 3.5 years. The scholarship is designed to support full-time doctoral study, although candidates may maintain limited external employment provided it does not interfere with academic progress. The programme is aimed at supporting both recent graduates and professionals from legal, social services, or related sectors who wish to deepen their research expertise and contribute to policy-relevant scholarship. Eligibility Requirements Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background in disciplines such as criminology, law, sociology, social work, gender studies, public policy, or closely related fields. Candidates should hold either: First-class Honours or equivalent research-based undergraduate qualifications, or A master’s degree with a substantial research component The university also welcomes applications from professionals with relevant sector experience who meet the academic requirements and are interested in undertaking doctoral research. Additional desirable competencies include experience with qualitative, participatory, feminist, or trauma-informed research methodologies, as well as demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community and industry partners. Strong communication skills, independent research capability, and a clear interest in gender-based violence, law, and justice systems are also expected. Application Requirements and Timeline Applicants must submit a complete application package by 29 June 2026, including: A 3–4 page research proposal aligned with the project theme Curriculum vitae (CV) Academic transcripts One-page cover letter outlining motivation, research interests, and suitability Contact details of two referees, including at least one academic referee The university encourages applicants to tailor their proposals to specific dimensions of gender-based violence in workplace settings, including particular populations, industries, or response models. Successful candidates are expected to commence their PhD studies by 31 August 2026. Advancing Research on Workplace Safety and Gender Justice The University of Wollongong highlighted that the scholarship is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen research on gender-based violence and improve systemic responses to workplace harm. Experts increasingly recognise that workplace safety frameworks must go beyond physical hazards to address psychological, sexual, and gender-based violence as critical occupational risks. By focusing on reporting pathways, help-seeking behaviour, and access to justice, the PhD project aims to contribute to more equitable and effective systems of protection for vulnerable workers. The university also emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and community organisations in developing evidence-based solutions that can improve workplace safety and gender equality outcomes. For researchers interested in gender justice, law reform, and social policy, the scholarship represents an opportunity to contribute to impactful interdisciplinary research with direct relevance to real-world systems and communities. 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