We are seeking PhD applicants from a range of academic backgrounds to join an exciting international project on the European Research Council Synergy Grant project: The Cultures of the Cryosphere: Infrastructures, Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling. The project investigates the cultural preconditions and consequences of the use of artificial cooling and freezing technologies in nutrition, health and reproduction, air conditioning, data processing, laboratory research and other everyday practices. This interdisciplinary research project aims to investigate the far-reaching socio-ecological effects of this energy-intensive planetary "cryosphere" and identify possible alternative sustainable futures associated with artificial cold.

The project consists of four international research groups at the Technical University of Darmstadt (Germany), the University of Paderborn (Germany), the University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany), and the Australian National University, Canberra, as well as three participating project partners at the University of Hamburg (Germany), the University of Halle-Wittenberg (Germany) and the Institute for Social-Ecological Research Frankfurt (Germany). 

The PhD projects are:

1. Air conditioning overload: The politics and futures of artificial cooling in urban Australia
2. Biobanking and cryogenic cultures of reproduction

Successful candidates will work closely with ANU faculty, research teams at the other lead institutions, project partners, and other relevant stakeholders in the government, industry and community sectors. The successful applicant will be located at the ANU School of Sociology during the tenure of their program, which was recently ranked in the world’s top 20. 

Application information and eligibility

To be eligible for these exciting PhD opportunities, you will be a domestic student and have achieved a First-class Honours or equivalent degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Geography, Science and Technology Studies, or a related field, but preferably a Master’s degree with an extended thesis or equivalent in these fields.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for this scholarship on a rolling basis. Ideally, candidates would commence study in August/September 2026.  Expressions of interest should be emailed to Rebecca.williamson@anu.edu.au and include: 

• 1-2 paragraphs outlining your expertise, most recent research experience, qualifications and how the project fits with your interests,
• A short CV,
• A copy of your academic transcript (undergraduate and postgraduate study),
• A writing sample (e.g. your Honours or Master's equivalent research thesis, or a publication). 

If successful, you will be invited to submit a formal application to the ANU School of Sociology HDR programme. Your application will be considered for the ANU PhD Supplementary Scholarship: Cultures of the Cryosphere (The Politics and Futures of Artificial Cooling in Urban Australia) or the ANU PhD Supplementary Scholarship: Cultures of the Cryosphere (Biobanking and the Cryogenic Cultures of Reproduction). 

For the base of the scholarship, a project-funded pro rata PhD stipend (equivalent to a full-time AGRTP PhD stipend) will be available until 31 December 2026, and applicants will be considered for the ANU AGRTP from 2027. 

For additional information, visit: ANU PhD Supplementary Scholarship: Cultures of the Cryosphere | The Australian National University

Enquiries 

Rebecca Williamson Smith