2024 MARS Program PhD Scholarship

The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) leads the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Program, a whole-of-Government initiative working to improve the health, safety and well-being of workers and others affected by the WA mining sector. The MARS Program works with industry and other impacted groups to deliver positive cultural change through research and initiatives improving awareness and practice around mental and physical health, workplace safety, and related issues in the mining sector.  

As part of this program, DEMIRS is funding the creation of PhD Scholarships to attract and develop leading research talent in Western Australia. Administered by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), these scholarships are open to students based primarily at a university campus located in Western Australia who are undertaking studies in any of the MARS Program Focus Areas:  

• Creating mentally healthy workplaces – by managing psychosocial hazards and promoting positive practices at work that support mental health and well-being; 
• Building a culture of safety and respect – with healthy, safe, gender-equitable, respectful and inclusive workplaces, and; 
• Preparing for workplace safety in future mining – by ensuring all workers are educated and trained in safety, addressing emerging risks and fostering safety innovation in new technologies. 

Awardees receive a stipend of up to $40,739, plus research and travel support of up to $5,820 pa for up to 3 years of study. Scholarship recipients are also eligible to join the prestigious MRIWA Scholar community and participate in a suite of professional development training and mentoring provided for future minerals research and industry thought leaders under MRIWA’s Education Program.

To find out more, or to apply, please visit the MRIWA scholarships page or email us at scholarships@mriwa.wa.gov.au.