A unique scholarship scheme at Griffith University is fostering a growing cohort of HDR students with disability who are driving research that reimagines inclusion and are strengthened by an inclusive research community.
Launched in 2023, The HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a supportive network of scholars at different stages of their PhD journeys.
Beyond academic support and mentoring, the program fostered peer connection and shared experience in an environment where inclusion was embedded.
Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School Professor Rebecca Ford said the students were supported by a unique scholarship scheme which provided a living stipend and an additional research support fund.
"Griffith University is excelling through inclusive investment, fostering a growing cohort of PhD candidates with disability," Professor Ford said.
"It is truly fantastic to offer this support to our PhD candidates with diverse needs, and we are excited about the societal benefits that will arise from the extensive knowledge they will gain and contribute during their studies."
The strength of the program had been evident in the diverse research topics explored which included accessible transport, mental health, neurodiversity in the workplace, disability visibility in advertising, inclusive practices within organisations, the inclusion of youth in leisure activities, and rebuilding identity through storytelling.
Pallav Pant's research explored accessible emergency communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities in Queensland.
With a background in crisis management and journalism, his work engaged a co-design approach to strengthen emergency response, ensuring equitable access to vital information.
Mr Pant was previously recognised for leading the development of Nepal's first Disability-Inclusive Get Ready Guidebook and a breakthrough mobile app for accessible communication during emergencies, both focused on minimising the impact of disasters on people with disabilities.
"Griffith University has provided an inspiring platform to advance disability-inclusive research, collaborate across disciplines, and give voice to those most often unheard in disaster planning," Mr Pant said.
Julia Robertson's research explored how artificial intelligence-enabled wearable technologies could deliver personalised mental health monitoring for people living with brain tumours, a group facing significantly elevated risks of depression and suicidality.
Drawing on her own lived experience of a brain tumour, Ms Robertson has been a passionate advocate for early intervention and improving quality of life.
"The Griffith disability scholarship for me has been a lifeline," Ms Robertson said.
"Without it I would not be able to continue my PhD and would have more than exceeded the standard number of sick-day claims under other scholarships or employment.
"The Disability scholarship has enabled me to take the time I have needed to recover from recent health events without having to worry about my PhD timeline being negatively impacted."
The Disability Scholars Research Scholarship is available to both full-time and part-time candidates who are registered with the University's Disability Support Unit, and to those who meet the entry requirement of at least an Honours 2A qualification or equivalent.
