“Connecting People, Places, and Systems in Sustainability Transitions Research”

Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, Australia

18-20 March 2026

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

The STRN PhD School provides early stage (year 1 and 2) PhD researchers the opportunity to engage with core and emerging theories and concepts in sustainability transitions research, learn from leading scholars in the field, and receive mentorship in applying these frameworks and approaches in your own research.

The Melbourne school will cover the following topics:

• Introduction to Sustainability Transitions
• Key theories including the Multilevel Perspective (MLP), Strategic Niche Management, and Transition Management
• Global South Transitions
• Behaviour and Systems Change
• Transition Pathways and Multi-System Dynamics
• Place-Based Experimentation
• Transdisciplinarity

Confirmed faculty include:

• Dr Bipashyee Ghosh (University College London)
• Prof Rob Raven
• A/Prof Shirin Malekpour
• Prof Annette Bos
• Dr Cameron Allen
• Dr Filia Garivaldis
• Dr Stefan Kaufman
• Dr Darren Sharp
• Dr Christoph Brodnik
• Dr Paris Hadfield

Organising staff: Prof Rob Raven, A/Prof Shirin Malekpour, Dr Paris Hadfield 

About the School:

• The 3-day school is free to attend.
• The school comprises 5 half-day modules and a paper development workshop.
• Participation includes a school Dinner and networking session, as well as complementary lunch and refreshments each day.
• The school is open to up to 30 PhD researchers in their 1st or 2nd year who are engaging with sustainability transitions research.
• A draft paper is required 3 weeks in advance in preparation for the paper development workshop, which will involve expert mentoring and peer feedback.
• All participants have to book and pay for their travel and accommodation.
• 3 x €500 international travel grants are available by application.

Location: Monash College, 750 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008

Key dates:

• Applications open 15 September 2025
• Applications close 14 October 2025
• Notification of successful applicants 31 October 2025
• Participant registration due 14 November 2025
• Draft paper submission due 24 February 2026
• PhD School Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 March 2026

How to Apply:

Complete the application form via this link by Tuesday 14 October 2025.

The application requires:

• A paper abstract (max 250 words)
• A motivation letter (300-400 words)
• A copy of your CV
• A statement justifying the financial support request (if applicable, max 200 words)

If you have any questions, please contact: info@transitionsnetwork.org