Modelling Demographic and Economic Change in Small Rural Towns and Villages - An International Comparison

The purpose of the research is to improve our understanding of the processes of demographic and economic change in small rural towns and villages.  The research is conducted in Australia, Sweden, Canada, Austria, Iceland and potentially other 'high income' countries, and involves qualitative and quantitative data collation and analysis.  The research tasks are varied, and ultimately contribute to developing an agent based model which simulates how factors such as changes in technology, extreme weather events, government policy, and even pandemics might impact on who lives in, works in and visits rural towns and villages.  Applicants should be passionate about social and economic life in rural areas, but can come from a range of disciplines.  We have linked research in health, economics, tourism, demography and education.  Applicants will develop an understanding of 'rural research' methodologies and the value of comparative research.