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Research Exchange Program

Research Exchange ProgramThe Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) will again seek funding applications from high quality, energetic researchers to support collaborations between the HIE and other research institutions in early 2014. An attractive stipend will support travel and living expenses for the duration of the exchange for either academics/students to visit the HIE (inbound exchange) or for HIE academics/students conducting research at other institutions (outbound exchange).

Inbound Exchanges: 

For inbound exchanges, the collaborator should aim to focus on the Institute’s interdisciplinary research programs that aim to explore how terrestrial ecosystems respond to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration, climate, land use, biotic invasions and fire.

Exchange partners will be expected to collaborate with at least two of the institute’s academics. The Institute offers comprehensive field-based facilities including a Free air CO2 Enrichment Experiment in a mature woodland (EucFACE), whole tree chambers and other field-based climate change facilities. Laboratory facilities include a sequencing suite incorporating both Sanger sequencing and latest Next-Generation sequencing platforms, temperature and climate controlled walk-in growth rooms and glasshouse complexes for plant and plant/insect studies. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential research partners in the HIE to discuss proposed projects.

Outbound Exchanges: 

For outbound exchanges, there are opportunities to collaborate at national and international institutions. Applicants should contact the host institution to discuss a proposed project, prior to submitting the application.

All exchange partners will be officially considered jointly affiliated with HIE during the time of his/her visit, and for all activities and outputs that result from the exchange (for example, they will be expected to list HIE affiliation on all scientific outputs resulting in any substantive way from the program).

Applications for Exchange Program funds will open for:

  1. Academic staff
  2. Postdoctoral fellows
  3. Postgraduate students

Information for Applicants

Closing Date

Currently closed. Applications will be sought again in early 2014.

HIE Helping Hands Volunteer Program

The Institute provides an enriching learning environment for volunteers to assist with work during peak periods in our laboratories or field sites on a short term basis.

Current opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers are listed below. You must ensure that you can commit to the task and the time requirement before you contact the nominated researcher or technical member of staff. If there are specific qualifications or skills identified you must address these when you express interest.

Reference Number HIE 001

Investigating the hydraulic architecture of Eucalyptus trees.

  • This project involves microscopic analysis and digital imaging of wood, followed by computer-based image analyses and statistical evaluation of specific wood attributes; these attributes will be linked with climatic conditions prevalent at the species’ home environment; this project elucidates the plasticity of the water transporting network in Eucalyptus trees that allows Australia’s most iconic tree genus to populate most habitats throughout this continent; initial training and continuous supervision ensures that the volunteer will produce high quality data and understands the significance of her/his research.
  • 10-20 hours per week required during September-December 2013
  • The volunteer should have good data management and analyses skills (Excel); good understanding of plant physiology will be beneficial.

Please contact Sebastian Pfautsch under 0457 444 774 or via Email.

If there are no currently identified opportunities, you can send a brief expression of interest to the Institute Manager, Dr David Harland. The expression of interest can be an email or an attachment, and should include:

  • Your name and a contact number (mobile) and/or email address
  • Your student number (if you are currently enrolled at UWS)
  • A brief outline of the tasks you are interested in undertaking
  • Your availability, eg the number of hours per week and approximate duration
  • Any qualifications or skills that you want us to know about

Expressing interest does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Institute.

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Eucalyptus Leaf