Strong Feet, Healthy Hearts
Strong Feet, Healthy Hearts
School of Health Sciences
Lead Researcher: Prof. Viv Chuter
About the project
The Strong Feet, Healthy Hearts project has been developed though ongoing consultation with Darkinjung Community members and Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services about peripheral artery disease (PAD). The overarching goal of this project is to reduce incidence of cardiovascular morbidity, mortality and foot disease associated with PAD through Community-led co-design of culturally safe PAD education and screening programs.
As a student of this project you will assist with the development of culturally safe peripheral artery disease (PAD) education and screening programs to support earlier diagnosis of PAD and implementation of secondary risk factor modification. This will develop siklls in co-design porcesses, evaluation of helath porgrams and qualitative research. You will be involved in the assessment of the acceptability and feasibility and the efficacy of the programs for increasing diagnosis of PAD and uptake of secondary prevention through risk factor modification and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and foot disease.
What does the scholarship provide?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $52,352.00 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- Support for training, conference attendance, fieldwork and additional research costs as approved by the School.
Eligibility criteria
This scholarship opportunity is open to all domestic students who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in understanding Indigenous health and culturally responsive health care services
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent international qualifications.
- have an understanding or appreciation of the importance of Indigenous informed and designed research.
- be willing to learn research methods and approaches in relation to Indigenous peoples, places and philosophies.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
How to apply
- Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.
- Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
- Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship'. Note: You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Prof. Viv Churter: V.Chuter@westernsydney.edu.au
For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:
- Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
- Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
You may also find answers to your questions by visiting our Higher Degree Research (HDR) Knowledge Directory.
Applications close 31 August 2025
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).