I acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Perth stands today. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize their continuing connection to the land, waters, and community.
In October, I spent an exciting month in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had the privilege of visiting: Perth, Western Australia. Before I left, everyone had advice for me: “Watch out for snakes and spiders!” or “Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat!” But what no one warned me about was the Magpies.
I’d never encountered Magpies before, and their strange, almost mechanical chattering quickly became one of my favorite, and most startling parts of Australia. On my first morning, jet lag had me wide awake at 4 a.m. I heard what I thought was a crying baby, or maybe two cats fighting? Nope, it was just a chorus of Magpies, welcoming me to their world.
This trip to Perth was my first time in Australia, and I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect but felt excited about the opportunity to conduct fieldwork for my PhD. My focus was on collecting data through Q-sorting exercises and interviews with stakeholders knowledgeable about Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).
CCUS technologies face a significant hurdle: social acceptance. Public perception can make or break these projects, influencing policy decisions and resource allocation. My research aims to map and analyze stakeholder perception of CCUS in both the UK and Australia, focusing on North East Scotland and Western Australia.
Using Q methodology, I explored how participants perceive CCUS technologies. This mixed-method approach allows me to categorize diverse viewpoints, uncovering insights into how social perceptions influence CCUS adoption. My goal was to conduct 20 interviews and 20 Q-sorts in Perth, and I’m thrilled to say I met that target.
While I’d scheduled a few interviews before arriving, much of my outreach would happen on the ground. This made the process more flexible but also a bit unpredictable. Thankfully, I’d been introduced to colleagues at Curtin University before my trip. They offered guidance on navigating Perth and refining my approach to data collection. Months of preparation, including ethical and university approvals, ensured I was ready to hit the ground running. Thanks to QUADRAT DTP, I could turn this plan into reality, marking the most rewarding month of my PhD journey.
I anticipated challenges, conducting research in an unfamiliar place always comes with hurdles. Back in Aberdeen, I’d built strong relationships within the community, which eased data collection. In Perth, I was starting from scratch. I also worried about the time difference and jet lag, which friends warned might take weeks to adjust to. (Spoiler: they were right, I was up at 4 a.m. daily for quite a while!)
Upon landing after 23 hours in transit, I was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. The warm Australian rain greeted me like a warm embrace from home, reminding me of Aberdeen. But what really threw me off was a massive Specsavers ad at the airport reading, “Welcome to Adelaide.” For a full ten minutes, I panicked, thinking I’d flown to the wrong city. Well played, Specsavers.
In my first days, I visited Curtin University, where I met welcoming faculty and PhD students in the energy transition space. The Curtin Institute of Energy Transition introduced me to potential participants for my study, helping me gain a foothold in the CCUS research community.
My workdays were packed. I attended CCUS-related events, conferences, and talks to deepen my understanding of Western Australia’s approach to climate policy and net-zero goals. Mornings and afternoons were spent conducting Q-sorts and interviews, where participants and I discussed CCUS, policy, and the energy transition in settings where they felt most comfortable.
Outside of research, I made time to explore Perth’s cultural and natural beauty. From the stunning Kings Park to the iconic Cottesloe Beach, each place left a mark on me. I took a night tour of Fremantle Prison, strolled through the vibrant Fremantle Markets, and even visited Rottnest Island, where I encountered the adorable quokkas. These tiny, smiling marsupials were a highlight of my trip.
Perth’s food and cultural scene was equally unforgettable. One of the standout experiences was watching Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak, a celebration of the regrowth and renewal of the Kambarang season.
Afternoons spent on the beach, mornings watching birds outside, and evenings under the stars reminded me how deeply I love the sun and the outdoors, though I went through a lot of sunscreen!
This trip wasn’t without its challenges. Some participants found the Q-sorting process unfamiliar or even difficult, while others embraced it enthusiastically. These interactions taught me to adapt, persist, and value the diversity of perspectives in my research.
Beyond the academic, this journey broadened my understanding of Australian culture, climate policy, and the beauty of Western Australia. It reinforced the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown.
My time in Perth was life changing. The people I met, the stories I heard, and the landscapes I explored will stay with me forever. I’m incredibly grateful to QUADRAT DTP, Curtin University, my supervisors, and the wonderful locals who made this trip possible.
If you’re considering a research trip like this, my advice is simple: do it. The challenges will make you stronger, and the experiences will be worth every ounce of effort. Perth taught me so much about myself, my research, and the world around me, and I can’t wait to return someday to explore even more of what Western Australia has to offer.
