The Western Australian Government has introduced the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program. A ground breaking initiative which is dedicated to promoting mental health within the mining industry. This program features a series of PhD scholarships hosted by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
As part of this program, eligible students will receive a stipend of up to $38,689 annually for a maximum of three years, with the potential for extensions.
The goal is to empower candidates to spearhead pioneering research endeavours in Western Australia that focus on enhancing the health, safety, and overall well-being of mining industry workers.
These MARS Program PhD Scholars will also have access to the MRIWA education program to supplement their capabilities. The program will aim to promote future thought leaders capable of addressing safety and well-being issues faced by mine site employees.
Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Bill Johnston, emphasised the imperative need to comprehend and prepare for the evolving nature of work in the mining sector.
He noted, “Scholars of the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety PhD Scholarships will play an important part in the research ecosystem we are developing in Western Australia.”
At least four MARS program PhD scholarships will be accessible for study at any university in Western Australia.
Recipients of these scholarships will also have the opportunity to engage in tailored training and professional development activities. This will include mentoring and networking with industry leaders.
Bill Johnston concluded, “They’ll be working on producing innovative solutions based on scientific perspectives to improve the health, safety and mental health of workers and others in the mining industry.
Increasing the number of MRIWA PhDs, will advance the understanding of health and wellbeing issues in the mining industry and provide a mechanism to monitor progress in these very important areas.”