Melbourne Social Equity Institute
PhD Scholarship opportunity for domestic candidates
The Melbourne Social Equity Institute is seeking expressions of interest from prospective PhD
candidates with an interest in public policy and administration. This scholarship opportunity, known
within the University of Melbourne as a Strategic Australian Postgraduate Award (STRAPA), will be
aligned to the Melbourne Social Equity Institute and located within the School of Social and Political
Sciences in the Faculty of Arts. This opportunity is open to domestic students only.
‘Improving social outcomes – philanthropy, innovation and public policy’
Nationally and internationally there is considerable public policy interest in the role of philanthropy to achieve
social change and improved social outcomes. Stimulated by constrained public finances, changing perceptions
about the relationship between the citizen and the state, and a recognition of the philanthropic sector’s
capacity for innovation, there is now a focus on how new ideas in philanthropy can support public policy and
public service goals.
One of the most talked about new ideas in philanthropy is ‘philanthrocapitalism’. This emphasizes the role of
philanthropists as ‘proactive change makers’ for social purpose rather than simply ‘resource providers’ for
good causes. Policy makers in a range of countries including Australia are exploring the potential of
‘philanthrocapitalism’ in a number of ways: emphasizing the role of profit, of social enterprise and of impact
investing.
But what do we know about the potential of ‘philanthrocapitalism’ in Australia, in particular how do
philanthropists feel about it, to what extent do the values of ‘philanthrocapitalism’ complement or conflict with
more established values of philanthropy, and what is the role for public policy in brokering new relationships
to meet public policy priorities? This PhD will explore these questions drawing on insights from, for example,
political science, behavioural economics and psychology.
Eligibility: Only Australian and NZ citizens or Australian permanent residents are eligible to apply for this
scholarship. Applicants must have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year honours
degree at an Australian University with a minimum result of first class Honours (of 80 and above).
How to submit an expression of interest:
Applications for STRAPA scholarships go through a two-stage process:
1. Candidates should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form after having spoken with Professor Helen
Sullivan, the academic supervisor for this project. A covering letter, CV and completed EOI form should be
emailed to Kathleen Patterson at kathleen.patterson@unimelb.edu.au. The deadline for expressions of
interest is Wednesday 24th April 2013.
2. The academic supervisor and Faculty Research Manager will review all applications received for eligibility.
Selected candidates will then be invited to submit a formal scholarship application through the Faculty of
Arts. Learn more about the Faculty of Arts application process here.
Scholarship Conditions: The STRAPA Scholarship is awarded under the same conditions and benefits as the
Australian Postgraduate Award (APA). Further details about the Scholarship and benefits can be found on the
Melbourne Scholarship website.
The scholarship is valued at $24,653 (APA 2013 rate) per year. In addition, the MSEI will provide a top-up of
$2,000 per annum. STRAPAs are normally held full-time but can be held part-time if there are socially
compelling reasons. For more information, see here.
Please note, candidates must be available to commence in Semester 2, 2013 (semester starts on the 28 th July
2013; the latest date for commencement is 1 st September 2013).
Enquiries should be directed to Professor Helen Sullivan at helen.sullivan@unimelb.edu.au, +61 (0)3 8344
6770 or 0478406901.
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