Flinders PhD Enterprise Scholarship: Evaluating the SA Police Drug Diversion Initiative

Change lives and change the world with impactful PhD research co-funded by Flinders University and Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, SA Health.

• Receive a $28,854 (2022 full-time rate, indexed annually) per annum scholarship tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• Be at the forefront of shaping drug policy research and practice in South Australia
• Apply your research skills during a 60-day industry internship embedded within DASSA

Flinders University and Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia are offering a PhD Enterprise Scholarship to undertake innovative research to evaluate the health, crime and system impacts of the South Australian Police Drug Diversion Initiative (PDDI). The PDDI has operated as a joint initiative of SA Health and SA Police since 2001, with the aim to divert offenders for health assessment, brief intervention and/or treatment instead of criminal sanction. This project will provide the first comprehensive evaluation of this program, and any changes post recent legislative reforms. This PhD Enterprise Scholarship will be supervised by Associate Professor Caitlin Hughes – Criminologist and Drug Policy Researcher in the College of Business, Government and Law and Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Director of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, College of Public Health and Medicine. Both are national leaders in drug and alcohol policy and research. You will also have direct industry engagement with Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia - the lead government agency overseeing the SA Alcohol and Other Drug Strategy (in partnership with SA Police) and your own industry supervisor – Steve Lymb, Manager of Alcohol and Other Drug Programs.

This inspiring project involves:

• Statistical analysis of 20 years of PDDI data including any changes in client profiles and public health and crime outcomes
• Targeted qualitative interviews with clients and stakeholders, including the flow on effects of diverted clients on the South Australian alcohol and other drug treatment and criminal justice systems
• Tackling a multi-disciplinary criminological and public health issue
• Advancing knowledge, policy and practice about any PDDI program changes that may be required

The PhD Enterprise Scholarship also includes an internship of at least 60 full-time equivalent days during which you will be embedded within Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, developing your network, opportunities for future employment, and gaining insight into the everyday research practices of an industry-leading and service driven organisation.

This PhD Enterprise Scholarship offers:

• $28,854 (2022 full-time rate, indexed annually) per annum tax free, for up to 3.5 years
• Access to academic and industry expertise through joint supervision
• A supportive environment to learn leading-edge research methods and become an expert in your area
• The opportunity to manage a complex research project and respond innovatively to challenges
• A collaborative research community where you can enhance your skills and build your network to progress your research career. 

To be eligible for a PhD Enterprise Scholarship you will need:

• to be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or have, or are eligible to apply for, a relevant international visa; and
• meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements – an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), or evidence of equivalent research experience, such as refereed publications or significant experience as a lead researcher; and
• are available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University by 30 December 2022.
• Any other eligibility criteria relevant to the industry partner/research project (eg have or able to apply for a National Police Criminal History Check)

It is desirable for applicants to also have:

• Experience in quantitative data analysis
• Experience in criminology, public health and/or drug and alcohol research
• Experience in engaging with stakeholders