Ph.D Scholarships The School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science

The Auckland Volcanic Field is a small-scale monogenetic intra-plate basaltic system that has produced about 50 small centres in the form of tuff rings, maars, cinder cones and associated lava flows during its estimated 250 kyr lifetime. The most recent eruption was about 700 years ago, and the field is still considered potentially active. PhD projects available:

1. Petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF) The volcanology, mineralogy and geochemistry of the AVF has been generally described and this project will focus on detailed studies (mineral chemistry, melt inclusions, isotopes, trace element modelling) which will lead to an understanding of how the mantle yields small scale melts and how these melts become modified during their rise to the surface. The successful applicant will have an interest in volcanic rocks, mineralogy and geochemistry; an ability to apply mathematical models will be an advantage. He or she will be expected to work closely with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project investigating physical controls of monogenetic volcanism. Research team: Ian Smith (ie.smith@auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, Steve Blake, Jan Lindsay

2. Physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism This project focuses on developing a quantitative understanding of the physical controls on monogenetic basaltic volcanism. The focus will be on the Auckland Volcanic Field, but suitable ancient analogues will also be targeted. The successful candidate will undertake field investigations to improve the current structural and tectonic model for the Auckland volcanic Field, and determine the relationship, if any, between tectonics and volcanism in this region. From a strong foundation in field observation, the candidate will formulate models for the transport of magma through the crust and test these using numerical simulations. This project provides an opportunity to produce innovative insights into how monogenetic volcanism evolves and varies in both time and space. Applicants for this PhD project should have a strong foundation in structural geology, tectonics and volcanology, and a high level of numeracy. The successful applicant will be expected to work closely with the PhD candidate working on the complementary project investigating the petrology of the Auckland Volcanic Field. Research team: Julie Rowland (j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz), Colin Wilson, Steve Blake

3. Quaternary crypto-tephra study of sediments in Auckland maars Auckland Volcanic Field maars contain excellent sequences of laminated lake sediments with numerous tephra layers from local and distant volcanoes, spanning the last 50,000 years. A candidate is needed to construct a tephrostratigraphic record of ash fall based on crypto-tephra (microscopic ash) layers. The purpose is to assess the past frequency and sources of ash fall in Auckland for hazard analysis. The project will involve the extraction and geochemical analysis of glass shards from sediment cores. A background in lake sediment cores; micro-geochemical analysis or tephra studies could be an advantage, but is not required. Research Team: Phil Shane (pa.shane@auckland.ac.nz), Paul Augustinus, Graham Leonard, Jan Lindsay

General information:

Each PhD position includes a 3-year stipend of NZ $25,000 per annum (tax free), university fees and research costs (including field and analytical costs, and travel to national and international conferences). Applicants should provide a CV and include contact details of 2-3 referees and a short letter of motivation and research skills. Applications due by 30 June 2008 with an expected start date by December 08.

Available PhD Topics at High Temperature Group, Swinburne University

Available PhD Topics at High Temperature Group, Swinburne University. Invitation to submit an application for PhD scholarship at this mid-year intake at Faculty of Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology. Due date 30 May 2008. All the information is available through the following link:

http://www.swinburne.edu.au/research/schols.htm

Electrically enhanced reactions in high temperature metal processing
Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey BrooksMetal- slag reactions during high temperature processes can be viewed as electro- chemical reactions. The current study will investigate the effect of electrical potential on the characteristics of the metal-slag interface (such as interfacial tension) and on the rate of metal- slag reactions in non-ferrous systems. The project will involve conducting high temperature experiments, microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples and development of a kinetic model that includes the effect of electrical potential. The understanding of this problem will open the possibility of a development of a new advanced high temperature metal processing. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

Novel multistage aluminium production

Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey BrooksThe current study will investigate and establish the feasibility of multistage aluminium production from alumina. The proposed route is through a reduction of alumina to intermediate aluminium compounds, which then subsequently be reduced to aluminium in the following processes. The project will involve a thermodynamic evaluation, as well as the overall feasibility evaluation of the process. It will also involve high temperature experiments, microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

New sidewalls materials for aluminium smelter

Supervisors: Dr Akbar Rhamdhani, Prof. Geoffrey Brooks The current commercial production of aluminium through the Hall- Heroult process has high energy consumption. One reason is due to the requirement of high heat flux out of the sidewalls for the formation of frozen layer of electrolyte for protection of the sidewalls. In the current study, new materials for the sidewalls
will be developed with the aim to lower energy requirement and ecological footprint associated with the current process. The project will involve a fabrication of the new materials, high temperature experiments as well as microstructure characterisation and chemical analyses of the samples. The project is suited to a student with a background in metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering or chemistry.

Solar Production of Direct Reduced Iron
Supervisors: Prof. Geoffrey Brooks, Dr Akbar Rhamdhani and Dr Brenton Hall. This project would investigate the feasibility and process kinetics of using solar furnaces to produce iron from iron oxide/carbon omposite pellets. This project may (still to be determined) have involvement from a solar energy company who can provide expertise and equipment in solar furnaces. Our plan is to impersonate the intense energy of a solar furnace through high powered lamps and set
a small scale experimental rig to measure temperature gradients and the kinetics of the reactions in the system (essentially Fe2O3 + 3C = 2Fe + 3CO). We may also end up building a small scale solar furnace but this will depend on how the project develops. There is a strong potential for a patent in this area. This project is suited to a student who loves invention, experimentation and chemical kinetics.

Kinetics of Liquid Aluminium Oxidation
Supervisors: Prof. Geoffrey Brooks, Dr Akbar Rhamdhani and an academic from University of Queensland. This is an experimentally based project looking at understanding and quantifying the rate of liquid metal oxidation ("dross formation"), which is very important to the casting industry. We would do this project in collaboration with CAST (see https:// http://www.cast.org/. au/index. php) and the University of Queensland (http:// http://www.uq.edu.au/) . The project would involve significant industry involvement and spending some time travelling to Queensland (a couple of weeks a year). This project is suited to a student who can perform well controlled experiments and is good at interpreting experimental data.

Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships

Applications for the 2009 ALA intake open on 01 April 2008 and close 30 June 2008. See Application Information below.

The Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) Scholarships are a component of a regional program that aims to develop leadership and build partnerships and linkages within the Asia-Pacific.

They are intended for those who are already leaders or have the potential to assume leadership roles that can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the Asia-Pacific region. The ALA program comprises of Scholarships and Fellowships.

ALA Scholarships are academically elite awards offered to high achievers from the Asia-Pacific region each year to undertake postgraduate study (Masters or Doctorate) and a Leadership Development Program in Australia.

Selection for ALA Scholarships is highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and on academic excellence.

ALA Scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region. In this regard, ALA scholars are required to return to their home country or the region for two years after they have completed their studies.

In future years, ALA scholars will belong to a unique group - the Australian Scholarships Alumni Network (ASAN) - that will maintain strong and enduring links to Australia. Managed by AusAID as part of Australia's overseas aid program, ALA Scholarships are open only to citizens of countries in the Asia-Pacific region with which Australia has a significant aid program.

Objectives of ALA Scholarships

ALA Scholarships aim to:

• develop a cadre of leaders advancing regional reform, development and governance
• increase exchange of knowledge and information within the region
• build common purpose and understanding between Australia and the region
• build capacity to address priority regional issues
• build effective networks between Australia and the region
• demonstrate the benefits of Australian education through the provision of high quality education.

Leadership Development Program (LDP)

Through the enhancement of leadership skills, ALA Scholarships seek to empower awardees to participate in social and economic policy and development outcomes in their own countries and in the region. Current and future leaders in the Asia-Pacific region are provided a unique opportunity to explore and harness their leadership potential.

AusAID has invested A$10.128 million over a four year period to deliver a comprehensive Leadership Development Program (LDP) to all ALA scholars.

The LDP comprises a three day conference in Canberra, regional workshops and leadership coaching and practice opportunities. The LDP increases skills in leadership and enhances participants understanding of the challenges at national, regional and global levels. LDP aims to help scholars realise their full leadership potential and provides important networking and collaborative opportunities for ALA scholars.

The LDP component of the ALA Scholarship is a valuable opportunity that is not offered through any other scholarship program in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fields of study

Awards are open to all fields of study, however, study programs that relate to the priority themes of international trade, pandemics, security and climate change (including clean energy) are encouraged. Scholarships are not available for military training, or training in areas related to nuclear technology and flying aircraft.

Levels of study

An ALA Scholarship enables candidates to undertake studies leading to a Masters or Doctorate degree in Australia. It does not include Graduate Diplomas, with the exception of those Masters courses that require the completion of a Graduate Diploma as part of the Masters degree.

Who should apply
Outstanding applicants with:

1. a very high level of academic achievement at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level
2. a high level of English language proficiency
3. demonstrated leadership potential and good prospects to influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in their home country and in the Asia-Pacific region
4. a commitment to participate ASAN on their return home.

Applicants seeking to migrate to Australia should NOT apply.

Scholarship benefits

An ALA Masters Scholarship, taken over two years can be valued up to A$150,000.
An ALA Doctorate Scholarship, taken over four years can be valued up to A$300,000.

The amounts above include the following benefits and support:

1. A Leadership Development Program worth approximately $17,000
2. Introductory Academic Program (IAP): approximately $2,000
3. Tuition fees for your approved course of study
4. Return air travel to and from Australia
5. Costs associated with health checks and visa applications prior to departure for Australia
6. Establishment allowance on arrival: $5,000
7. Contribution to living expenses: $26,009 per year (commencing July 1, 2008)
8. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the award (for award holder only)

A study enrichment allowance (SEA) to contribute towards field research, academic support, conference participation or the award holder's reunion travel costs: $2,000 per year (accumulative)

Official links: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm

Scholarship: SEARCA Invites Applications for Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture

SEARCA invites applications for its graduate scholarship (MS and PhD) in agriculture and related fields (including biological sciences, social sciences, economics and statistics, forestry and fisheries, environmental sciences, agro-industrial technology and engineering, and biochemistry) for School Year 2009-2010. The scholarship is open to Southeast Asian nationals, including Indonesians, who are regular employees of academic or research institutions or government agencies and not older than 35 years old.

Applicants may submit their applications to the Head, Bureau for International Cooperation, Ministry of National Education (MONE) in Jakarta. The MONE then submits the list of applicants accompanied by the complete set of requirements to SEARCA not later than 30 July 2008. All applicants are required to check with their Ministries of Education for the deadline of applicants' submission set by the Ministry.

Any one of the following universities may serve as study posts of SEARCA scholars: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia; Kasetsart University and Thammasat University, Thailand; Institut Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Gadjah Mada and University of Indonesia, all in Indonesia; University of the Philippines (UP) Los Banos, UP Diliman, and UP Visayas, Philippines; and National University of Singapore, Singapore. SEARCA reserves the right to make the final decision on the choice of the scholars' study post. Therefore, applicants are required to submit to SEARCA applications for admission to the Graduate Schools of at least three universities in the list.

The list of requirements for application as well as all the required forms for scholarship application and admission to the graduate study programs of universities where SEARCA scholars may study may be downloaded from the SEARCA website at http://www.searca.org.

The topic of the research that the applicants plan to conduct for their thesis must be in line with the thrusts of SEARCA (i.e., promotion of agricultural competitiveness, sustainable land use and water management, and biodiversity conservation by addressing economic and institutional constraints, expanding access to productive resources and technology, and strengthening local governance capability to deliver agricultural services).

SEARCA shall not evaluate applications with incomplete documents.

Applicants who are denied admission by the Graduate School concerned will not be considered for scholarship.

Interested parties may also contact the Graduate Scholarship Department of SEARCA via email at gsd@agri.searca.org or ecc@agri.searca.org.

S E A M E O

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
SEARCA, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Tel.: (63-49) 536-7164 • Fax: (63-49) 536 7097
Email: gsd@.agri.searca.org or ecc@.agri.searca.org

Scholarship: SEARCA SEED FUND FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING

SOUTHEAST ASIA REGIONAL CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH IN AGRICULTURE (SEARCA)

SEARCA SEED FUND FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING

The Southeast Asian region has a number of promising researchers and scientists those desire to contribute to the region’s development through research and knowledge dissemination initiatives is hindered by lack of funds. This situation serves as a barrier to translating promising research and training into scientific outputs that could be applied to promote development.

To address this concern and in line with the Center’s thrusts of promoting, undertaking and coordinating research programs relevant to the agriculture and rural development needs of the region, SEARCA had allocated funds for the SEARCA Seed Fund for Research and Training (SFRT).

The SFRT is envisaged to provide chosen research and training project proposals with limited start-up funds intended to enhance chances of securing long-term support from donor agencies. The SFRT will provide a maximum of $15,000.

All project proposals should be received by SEARCA on or before 01 August 2008.

Please find the attached guidelines for the SFRT application.

SFRT Secretariat

Download the guidelines here: http://brawijaya.ac.id/main/news/id/beasiswa/download/sfrt_guidelines.zip

China – AUN Scholarship 2008

The ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat in collaboration with the China Scholarship Council had launch China – AUN Scholarship 2008 Program. The program offers 20 full scholarships for students from AUN Member Universities.

The scholarship covers registration fee, tuition fee, fee for laboratory experiment, fee for internship, fee for basic learning materials and intramural accommodation, living allowance, a one-off settlement subsidy, fee for outpatient medical services, comprehensive medical insurance and benefit plans for international students in China, and fee for a one-off inter-city travel.

Categories of Applicants and Duration of Scholarship:
1. This scheme sponsors postgraduate studies with the duration of two to six academic years.
2. The courses will be taught in English or in Chinese. Candidates whose courses are taught in Chinese are required to take 1-2 years remedial Chinese language prior to the major study if their Chinese language level does not meet the requirement.

Eligibility:
1. Applicants must be citizens of the member states of ASEAN and in good health.
2. Applicants for master degree studies must have bachelor’s degree and be under the age of 35
3. Applicants for doctoral degree studies must have master’s degree and be under the age of 40.

Please check the Directory of the Chinese Institutions Admitting International Students under Chinese Government Scholarship Program at the website of CSC (http://www.csc.edu.cn) for details. Enclosed also please find the following documents:
1. Application Procedures for China – AUN Scholarship

2. Application form for Chinese Government Scholarship and Foreigner Physical Examination form.