Indigenous Atrial Fibrillation Equity Initiative
Closing the Indigenous Atrial Fibrillation Gap: A Global Study of Earlier Detection, Equitable Treatment and Stroke Prevention
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major preventable cause of stroke, yet the evidence used to detect and manage AF has largely been developed from non-Indigenous populations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience AF much earlier, with a higher burden of stroke and poorer access to optimal treatment.
This PhD will investigate how AF can be detected earlier and managed more equitably for Indigenous peoples, beginning with a comparative study across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The candidate will combine epidemiology, health-services research, digital health and Indigenous co-design to examine age of onset, risk factors, screening, treatment and outcomes, and identify opportunities to improve care and prevent stroke.
Based at UNSW’s Co-design Health Research and Innovation group, the candidate will join an international Indigenous AF collaboration and undertake a research placement at the University of Auckland. The project will generate evidence designed to inform clinical practice, policy and cardiovascular guidelines.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Kylie Gwynne - z3524429@ad.unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Associate Professor Kylie Gwynne (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Dr Connie Henson (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Dr David Meharg (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Associate Professor Morwenna Kirwan (UNSW, Co-Supervisor)
Associate Professor Katrina Poppe (University of Auckland, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture | Indigenous Studies (Nura Gili Academic Program)
Impact focus area
Pillar 8: Enable healthy lives
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Impact focus area
Pillar 9: Strengthen societal resilience, security and cohesion
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Supervisors
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.