Show Me
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is offering one full-time PhD scholarship package to undertake research applying sports science techniques to equine training to improve the welfare of horses.
This project will focus on understanding and improving the welfare of horses from various disciplines (e.g., Racing, Dressage, Service, etc.). It will achieve this by surveying key stakeholders across various equine industries and applying contemporary sports science techniques and technology to monitor the wellbeing of horses in response to their training and competition exposure.
The project is a collaboration between ACU and Concept Equine. The successful applicant will be based at ACU’s Melbourne campus, and some off-site work will be required.
| Study mode | Full-time for up to 3.5 years |
|---|---|
| Location |
ACU Melbourne campus |
| Places available | One |
| Commencing | 2025 |
| Principal Supervisor | |
| Research group/s |
Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre SPRINT is Research Centre within the School of Behavioural and Health Sciences at ACU and consists of internationally recognized sports scientists working towards advancing knowledge in the areas of performance, recovery and injury. We deliver impactful and timely research using cutting edge research techniques. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality and impactful research. |
| Industry partner/s |
Concept Equine Concept Equine is a company consisting of veterinarians and a sports scientist focused on improving and maintaining the welfare of horses. They have extensive experience working in the thoroughbred racing industry, implementing strategies to ensure the welfare and longevity of horses in their care during and following their racing careers. Their experience includes monitoring training loads and the response to this load in thoroughbred racehorses. |
| Scholarship package |
The successful applicant will be awarded a scholarship package consisting of:
The scholarship package is subject to satisfactory progress and full-time study mode. The scholarship conditions align with the ACU Research Training Program Scholarship Policy. |
Applications close: Friday 31 October 2025, 11:59 pm AEDT
In addition to the eligibility criteria, the successful applicant should have:
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must submit all documentation required for an application to the PhD program at ACU, as detailed in the How to Apply instructions, plus:
When completing the PhD application form, please indicate that you are also applying for a stipend scholarship and include the name of this project "Equine Welfare and Performance: A Sports Science Approach".
Interested candidates should contact Dr Paul Tofari before applying for the PhD program and scholarship.
As a research candidate at ACU, you will join a world-class research community ready to support you on your research journey.
Our researchers develop innovative solutions to issues impacting human dignity and the common good. Through interdisciplinary and collaborative research, they seek to enable people to develop intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally, to enable flourishing lives, foster thriving communities and build an ethical future.
If you dream of working to solve the critical challenges we face in the world today, explore our research to discover why ACU is the place for you.
Explore our research(1) Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2025 (2) Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, ranked IFCU members (3) 2024 CWTS Leiden Rankings (4) Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2024
Explore our graduate research degrees, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and follow our step-by-step guide to apply.
Learn moreWork alongside leading researchers who will mentor and support you every step of the way. Browse our expert profiles to find the right supervisor for your goals.
Learn moreTake your research beyond your thesis. Partner with industry to tackle real-world challenges, boost your impact, and grow your professional network.
Learn moreOur scholarships do more than cover costs-they empower your research journey with tuition support, living allowances, and access to essential resources.
Learn more