Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Residential Aged Care Services 2026–27 

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New research opportunity: National Industry PhD Scholarship in Health Economics – Virtual care in Australia

7 August 2025

The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA), in partnership with the Leeder Centre for Health Policy, Economics and Data at the University of Sydney, is proud to support a new National Industry PhD Scholarship focused on the future of virtual care in Australia. 

This prestigious opportunity invites a high-calibre student to undertake a PhD project titled ‘Valuing virtual care: Economic evidence to support equitable and sustainable health system investment’.

The successful applicant will explore the economic value of virtual care across various health settings, with the aim of informing future funding models that promote equitable access and sustainability. 

Scholarship highlights

  • Total value of $51,000AUD per annum, including a Research Training Program stipend and top-up funding from IHACPA and the National Industry PhD Program.
  • Access to project funding for conferences, data acquisition and industry engagement.
  • Collaboration with IHACPA policymakers and University of Sydney researchers.
  • Opportunity to produce policy-relevant research.

Research objectives

This PhD project will:

  • build the economic evidence base for virtual care across care settings
  • evaluate costs, value and broader impacts including access, equity, workforce impact, environmental outcomes and patient preferences
  • develop practical policy advice to inform the design of future funding mechanisms that encourage the appropriate use of virtual care in Australia.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • background in health economics, public health, economics, policy, statistics, or related disciplines
  • strong analytical skills and interest in health system reform
  • demonstrated research experience
  • excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • ability to work both independently and collaboratively with industry stakeholders.

For more information contact:

Dr Kees van Gool – kees.vangool@sydney.edu.au

Dr Philip Haywood – philip.haywood@sydney.edu.au

 

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