Industry and project-specific scholarships
The Graduate Research School is pleased to present a number of co-funded industry scholarships.
Federation University is pleased to partner with the Manna Institute to offer a PhD scholarship to explore the mental health needs of Regional Australians.
This three-year PhD Scholarship is identified for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidate.
The successful candidate will join the Manna Institute in engaging in research projects under the following thematic areas of importance to regional mental health.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $33,000 per annum
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship: $26,400 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents and permanent residents only. Additionally, selection will also depend on the applicant’s ability to meet the following desired criteria:
* Enrol full-time however candidates can be on campus or remote from the campus.
* Able and willing to work in a research team environment.
* Integrate and contribute to the research team.
* Work or research experience in regional, remote, and rural locations in Australia
Applicants should review the Manna Institute website before submitting an application.
Application closing date: Applications open until position filled
How to apply: Applicants must submit the Manna Institute Application form along with submitting their HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: To be confirmed once appointed
Research project outline
Project title: Regional Mental Health
Candidates must develop a project that aligns with one of four Manna Institute Research Collaboratives, described below:
Research collaborative 1 – existing and emerging mental health workforce. Projects in this collaborative will focus on ways to support current workforce needs in regional Australia to strengthen future awareness of how to attract and retain workers. At the core of this research collaborative is inclusivity, through collaboration with both the professional and peer workforces across community health, allied health and policy and service delivery staff.
Research collaborative 2 - Individuals’ health and wellbeing. Projects in this collaborative will focus on the psycho-social-behavioural factors that impact individual health and well-being in regional and rural Australia across their lifespan.
Research collaborative 4 - The impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health. The natural world has an enormous impact on mental health and wellbeing. Opportunities to interact with nature can reduce mental illness and facilitate optimum mental wellbeing. Projects in this collaborative will focus those that consider direct and indirect impacts of the changing climate on rural, regional, and remote communities.
For further information (including supervision advice) please contact:
Associate Professor Dixie Statham - Federation University
Email: d.statham@federation.edu.au
or Professor Myfanwy Maple - Manna Institute Director
Email: mmaple2@une.edu.au
Supervisors, Associate and Co-Supervisors
Supervisors will be sourced through both Federation University and the Manna Institute. Bios of potential supervisors are listed on the Manna Institute website.
Federation University is pleased to partner with Food Agility CRC and Precision Agriculture to offer a Food Agility CRC PhD scholarship in Digital Agriculture
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 per annum
Top-Up: NA
Project support: $10,000
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship: $26,800 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen, Ballarat
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applicants must be an Australian or permanent resident
Applicants should contact Dr Birgita Hansen prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: Applications open until position filled
How to apply: Complete the HDR Candidature application and provide a 300 word statement that describes, in your own words, the area of the proposed research and include your interpretation of the problem, proposed solution, and potential impact. Please note, a separate research proposal (as outlined on the application form) is not required.
Commencement date: To be confirmed once appointed
Research project outline
Project title: Investigation into soil and carbon management levers for farming systems optimisation
The agricultural sector is trying to balance increasing production with addressing soil health, soil carbon sequestration and farm sustainability via changes in soil amendments and management practices. Actions focused on carbon sequestration and emissions reduction will be increasingly more important over time as global markets demand carbon neutral products and evidence of carbon neutrality claims. Actions focusing on soil health amelioration techniques and improvement need to factor in productivity while also meeting market expectations around sustainability. A wide range of potentially interacting factors will influence soil health, profitability and other on-farms outcomes. Therefore, farmers will require better information for supporting decision-making on soil amendments to improve soil health and soil carbon, and the linkages between these actions to help prioritisation of farm management and respond to shifting markets.
Other related elements:
- Soil health reporting and soil properties that are key indicators
- Soil carbon gap mapping (on-farm and regional) and relationships with on-farm management. Building the on-farm evidence to support carbon neutral claims
- Where are the greatest sources of variability in soil properties and soil carbon at the farm scale, and how do these vary with climate, landscape and management practices?
Research questions
What is driving variation in soil properties and constraints, and how does this relate to soil carbon and soil health management actions at multiple scales?
What (if any) are the management levers for optimising soil amendments for multiple outcomes (soil carbon, soil health, productivity)?
Proposed structure of research
- Desktop based assessments (mapping and analyses) using existing PA data and other sources of information
- Field-based assessment to target key knowledge gaps identified in step 1, particularly in relation to (a) carbon gap mapping and (b) variability and benchmarking.
Industry Partner and Student Host: Precision Agriculture; Food Agility CRC
Supervisors
Principal Supervisor: Dr Birgita Hansen
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Dr Kirsten Barlow (Precision Ag)
Federation University is pleased to partner with St John of God Berwick Hospital to offer PhD scholarships for nurses, midwives and other allied healthcare professionals who have an interest in conducting research relevant to their field.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $40,000 per annum
Project support: between $6,000-$ 9,000 depending on project
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: up to $26,800 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Berwick, Victoria
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applicants must be an Australian resident or permanent resident.
Preference will be given to applicants with a registered nursing or midwifery background.
Applicants should contact Associate Professor Mimmie Watts Phone: 03 5327 9750 or email: mc.watts@federation.edu.au prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 30 June 2024
Previous applicants do not need to apply again.
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application form.
Commencement date: as soon as possible
Research Fields:
- Midwifery & Maternity Care
- Workforce Models of Care
- Digital and Mental Health Care
- Public Health and Allied Health Care
Federation University is pleased to partner with OZTRON Energy to offer a PhD scholarship in power electronics and renewable energy.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 per annum
Top-Up: $10,000 per annum for 3 years
Project support: will be provided during project period if necessary
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship: $ 26,800 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen, Ballarat
Internship: the opportunity to undertake a 3-month internship in industry
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applicants should have power electronics background and relevant experience in circuit design, converter control, testing, etc.
Applications will be accepted from Australian and permanent residents.
Applicants should contact Associate Professor Jiefeng Hu via email: j.hu@federation.edu.au prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: Open until position filled
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: as soon as possible
Research project details
Project title: Development of intelligent power inverters for microgrids
With increasing penetration level of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as renewable energy and battery storage, the power grid is undergoing a major transformation and facing new challenges in terms of power quality and grid stability. This project aims to develop new power electronic inverters to facilitate grid integration of DERs into the local electrical network.
Industry Partner and Student Host: OZTRON Energy
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor:
Associate Professor Jiefeng Hu
Associate and External Supervisors:
Prof. Saad Mekhilef (external)
Dr. Binayak Banerjee (external)
Federation University is pleased to partner with CSIRO to offer a PhD scholarship in CO2 removal technology development.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 per annum
Top-Up: $10,000 per annum
Project support: $9,000 ($3000 per year for 3 years)
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $30,240 per annum
Funding length: 3 years with the possibility of a 6 month extension
Location: Gippsland Campus
Internship: 3 month, paid internship with CSIRO
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents and permanent residents.
Applicants should contact Alicia Reynolds (Alicia.Reynolds@federation.edu.au, 5122 8202) prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 31st July 2024, or until suitable candidate is identified.
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: 2nd September 2024, negotiable.
Research project details
Project title: Degradation of amino acid salt solutions for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2.
Liquid absorbent-based carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is a technology that will play a vital role in Australia reaching net-zero carbon emissions. Direct air capture (DAC) is a negative emissions technology that targets the direct removal of CO2 from the air. Amino acid salt solutions are employed to capture CO2 from air (DAC) due to their favourable mass transfer rates and low vapor pressures. When deployed these absorbents are operated for very long periods. One key challenge that still needs significant research is to study the degradation of these absorption liquids which inevitably occurs during DAC processes. Degradation is the transformation of amino acid salt solutions into other compounds over time that may either render the absorption liquids incapable of absorbing CO2 or negatively impact their physicochemical properties (such as increased viscosity and foaming), resulting in reduced CO2 capture performance. It is also crucial to understand if any of the compounds formed may be emitted to the environment and if any risks are associated with this. The process of degradation takes place either in the absorber, where the absorption liquids encounter high oxygen flows, or in the stripper during their thermal regeneration.
This project focuses on studying the degradation of amino acid salt solutions, mainly under DAC conditions to address the following key challenges.
- To identify the degradation products of amino acid salt solutions under DAC conditions (both oxidative and thermal) and understand the underlying reaction mechanisms.
- To select and apply suitable additives that would inhibit the degradation of amino acid salt solutions under DAC conditions.
- To determine if any of the compounds formed are likely to be emitted to the atmosphere and any risks associated with this.
The candidate will work both independently and collaboratively to carry out the following tasks.
- Conduct a literature review on various absorption liquids for CO2 capture (with focus on DAC) and their degradation behaviours, and inhibitors to tackle each.
- Undertake experiments and suitable analytical analyses to understand the degradation of amino acid salt solutions under DAC conditions (both oxidative and thermal).
- Understand the reaction mechanisms for the degradation of amino acid salt solutions and suggest appropriate inhibitors to minimize/reverse the degradation.
- Assess the properties of the degradation products to determine if emission to the atmosphere would be possible and if the compounds pose environmental or health risks.
- Present the work both internally and externally as per the project requirements.
- Participate in other PhD-related activities, as required and advised.
Industry Partner and Student Host: CSIRO
At CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people first and are a trusted advisor. We collaborate widely and deliver solutions with real impact.
CSIRO’s liquid absorbent-based DAC research is being undertaken at its sites in Newcastle, NSW (CSIRO Energy Centre) and Clayton, VIC. These are advanced multidisciplinary facilities working at the nexus between fundamental and applied research. The student will have the opportunity to visit both facilities and work with researchers who are developing this technology.
CSIRO funding for this project is being provided the CarbonLock Future Science Platform (https://research.csiro.au/carbonlock/), which is bringing multidisciplinary research together to deliver innovative carbon dioxide removal solutions.
For further information about CSIRO, please visit www.csiro.au
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Dr Alicia Reynolds
Alicia leads the Carbon Technology Research Group and manages a chemistry laboratory that has been designed to identify and measure amine-degradation products. Her PhD and post-doctoral projects focused on degradation of amine absorbents during pilot-scale post-combustion capture (PCC) of CO2 in collaboration with CSIRO. Recent industry-led research projects include responsible uses of Victorian brown coal (e.g., humic acid-based soil amendments, hydrogen and other materials), compost processing and contaminants management, and fish farm waste derived soil amendment development.
Associate supervisors:
Rebecca completed a PhD in analytical chemistry focusing on exploring the fundamental principles of ruthenium chemiluminescence and the relationship between chemiluminescence response and the structures of the compounds elucidating this response. Through this PhD she gained extensive experience in applications of flow injection analysis coupled with ruthenium and permanganate chemiluminescence detection. Rebecca’s experience will bring a new perspective to identification and quantification of amino-acid degradation products.
Dr Benjamin Long is an environmental and supramolecular chemist.
Dr Long’s key research foci are emerging organic environmental contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals and personal care products), plant bioactive compounds, especially those from Indigenous Australian traditional medicine (e.g. Federation University’s Bush Medicine Project) and the use and application of supramolecular interactions (e.g. analyte/contaminant detection and hydrogels).
The Long Lab has unique capacity for testing organic materials using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, as well as for measuring environmental monitoring parameters both on and off field sites. The Long Lab also has capability to synthesise and analyse peptide hydrogels for biomedical applications and supramolecular sensing and experience in small angle scattering (X-Ray and Neutron).
Benjamin attained his PhD from Deakin University in 2014, and after postdoctoral appointments at the University of Sydney and Deakin University, he joined Federation University Australia in 2017.
External supervisors:
Graeme studied chemistry and computer science at The University of Newcastle (AU). He then did his PhD in chemistry finishing in 2004. In 2005-2007 he was a postdoctoral fellow at Lund University (Sweden) and ETH Zurich (Switzerland). Graeme joined CSIRO in 2007 and his work has focused on the developed of absorbents for carbon capture applications and integration of carbon capture and utilisation. Currently he leads the Zero Emissions Team within the Sustainable Carbon Technologies Group. He also collaborates widely with universities and industry and has supervised a number of undergraduate and PhD students.
Dr. Mirza has been working in the field of emissions reduction technologies for a few years and has travelled to and worked in Pakistan, Germany and Australia. He has experience of working both with pilot and laboratory scale units. His PhD from the University of Melbourne focussed on studying water-lean absorption liquids for post-combustion capture. He has also worked with membrane contactors to capture CO2 from conventional point sources and has also contributed towards developing novel gas-liquid contactors for DAC applications at CSIRO. He is currently leading a project at CSIRO that involves developing novel amino acid-based absorbents for efficient direct air capture (DAC).
Federation University is pleased to partner with DEECA – Ellinbank Smartfarms to offer a PhD scholarship in chemistry/chemical engineering with focus on green hydrogen production from dairy waste.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 per annum
Top-Up: $10,000 per annum
Total Stipend: $45,000 per annum
Project support: $20,000
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $30,240 per annum
Funding length: 3.5 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Gippsland
Internship: Details to be confirmed
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
For interested applicants, a background in chemistry or chemical engineering would be essential. Some understanding of electrocatalysis would be useful but not essential. Training in electrochemical and other characterisation techniques will be provided.
This is a full-time PhD position requiring extensive laboratory studies. The selected candidate will be required to work at the CCS laboratory at the Federation University, Gippsland campus and at the Ellinbank smartfarm.
Applicants with attention to detail, an enthusiasm to learn new skills and determined to make a difference by contributing to environmentally sustainable energy technologies would be highly desirable.
Applications will be accepted from Australian citizens, permanent residents and NZ citizens.
Applicants should contact A/Prof Surbhi Sharma (surbhi.sharma@federation.edu.au) prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 20 September 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: 1st October 2024 or earlier
Research project details
Project title: Upcycling dairy-farm waste to green hydrogen (H2) and high-value carbon materials
Background and Motivation: The share of green hydrogen (replacing global fossil fuel energy sources) in the global hydrogen market is expected to grow from $4.02 bn in 2022 to $331.98 bn by 2032. The demand for hydrogen exported from Australia alone could be over 3 mn tonnes/pa by 2040. Water is the fundamental resource for green hydrogen generation via electrolysis. For every kg of hydrogen, at least 9 kg of water is required. State-of-the-art proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis (water-splitting) technologies are dependent on fresh water. With global hydrogen demand set to reach the order of 2 Gigatons/annum, the water footprint and the potential long-term environmental cost of converting fresh-water to hydrogen in a climate-sensitive world requires timely attention and appropriate action to explore alternatives.
On the other hand, the worldwide wastewater generation is predicted to be approximately 380 billion m3/annum and is expected to grow by 51% by 2050. Among these wastewater resources are sewage, farm, and industrial wastewater. Effluents from dairy farms significantly impact the environment due to land, water and air pollution. Effluent management accounts for ~20% of farm greenhouse gas GHGs emissions. Typical practices such as effluent drainage into farm ponds (to be processed/digested by microbes over weeks/months before being sprayed into the farm as nutrient water) result in methane generation of over 400 kg CO2 e/cow/annum which accounts for 7% of the total GHG estimate for grazing farms. The agriculture sector is the 2nd largest contributor to Australia’s GHG emissions. Management of these effluents is a major concern in the dairy-farming community and government agencies.
Proposed Project: This project aims to generate green hydrogen from dairy-farm effluents via value-added electrolysis (VAE) combined with hydrothermal processing. The VAE approach allows for electrolysis of wastewater, generating valuable chemicals (instead of oxygen) alongside hydrogen. The Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis is a high-overpotential (1.23 V) and energy intensive process requiring expensive and rare catalyst materials adding to the cost of electrolysis. Oxidation of organic molecules for production of VACs (such as furfurals, HMFC, formic acid, phenol derivatives etc) requires much less energy and can be carried out in the presence of cheaper non-precious metal-based catalysts such as nickel (Ni), iron (Fe) manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) etc. Doped nanostructured carbons have also been demonstrated as metal-free catalysts. Replacement of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with production of valuable chemicals will eliminate:
1) The need for expensive catalysts required for the energy demanding OER.
2) Risks associated with safety, management and handling of oxygen during H2 production
3) The current dependence/need for fresh water for electrolysis
Hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), a scalable platform technology, will enable pre-processing and separation of solids and liquids, and allow streamlining as well as tailoring of the post-HTC liquid composition through process parameters (such as temperature, pressure) making it suitable for VAE. It will streamline the VAE process for a complex/chemical-rich real-world effluent.
Separately, closing-the-loop, post-HTC solids/hydrochar, will be upcycled into high-value advanced carbons and electrolyser electrodes. This will build on our ongoing research on biocoal produced from waste.
The selected PhD student will be using HTC and developing suitable electrocatalysts to perform VAE. He/She will be using various characterisation techniques to study the solid and liquid product composition. Their work will generate new knowledge about the process water composition and potential industrially relevant chemicals that can be extracted at scale via VAE. The student will likely be working with a team of post-docs and students as part of a bigger project.
Industry Partner and Student Host: DEECA - Ellinbank Smart Farms
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor:
Dr Surbhi Sharma, Associate Professor and Stream Leader for Future fuels and Hydrogen Economy, Centre for New Energy Transition Research. Dr Sharma has over 15 years of international research experience (UK and Australia) in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, electrochemistry and carbon nanomaterials and has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers in addition to single-author books and chapters. Her research interests include exploring wastewater resources for hydrogen generation, development of graphene oxide, 2D-,3D-nanostructured hybrids for fuel cell, battery components (incl. electrocatalysts, electrodes, proton conduction membranes, and coatings), upcycling of carbon resources and bio-waste for energy, fuel and high-value carbon nanomaterials, synthetic microbiology and development of microbe-assisted electrocatalysts. She has extensive knowledge of various material characterisation techniques including electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetry etc.
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Dr Apurv Kumar, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering. Dr Kumar’s research interests encompass experimental and computational multiphase fluid mechanics, hydrothermal processing, radiation and convective heat transfer, solid-gas modelling and experimental applied solar thermal research, and waste to energy conversion.
Dr Alicia Reynolds, CCS lab manager. Dr Reynolds leads the Carbon Technology Research Group and manages a chemistry laboratory that has been designed to identify and measure amine-degradation products. Her PhD and post-doctoral research focused on degradation of amine absorbents during pilot-scale post-combustion capture (PCC) of CO2 in collaboration with CSIRO. Recent industry-led research projects include responsible uses of Victorian lignite (e.g., humic acid-based soil amendments, hydrogen etc), compost processing and contaminants management, and fish farm waste derived soil amendment development.
Industry Co-supervisors:
Prof Joe Jacobs, Research Director - Animal Production Sciences, Agriculture Victoria Research, Agriculture Victoria, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Ellinbank Dairy Centre
Dr Sharon R Aarons, Sr. Research Scientist & Site Leader - Ellinbank Dairy Centre, Agriculture Victoria Research, Agriculture Victoria, DEECA. Extensive experience in innovative manure treatment technologies for the dairy industry, chemical solid-liquid separation of dairy manure and their effect on BMP of dairy effluent and has investigated a number of nutrient recovery technologies for the dairy industry.
Federation University and the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) is pleased to partner with Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to offer a PhD scholarship in Digital Agriculture.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 per annum
Project support: $10,000
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: Up to $30,240 per annum to cover the cost of tuition fees
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen, Ballarat
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents, permanent residents and international applicants.
Applicants should contact Dr Benedikt Fest prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: Open until filled
How to apply: Applicants must submit the HDR Candidature application form.
Research project outline
Project title: Soil health and carbon management levers for farming systems optimisation
The agricultural sector is trying to balance increasing production while addressing soil health, soil carbon sequestration and farm sustainability via changes in soil amendments and management practices. Actions focused on carbon sequestration and emissions reduction will be increasingly more important over time as global markets demand products that are either carbon neutral or demonstrate low emission intensity backed by verifiable standards. Actions focusing on soil health amelioration techniques and improvement need to factor in productivity while also meeting market expectations around sustainability. A wide range of potentially interacting factors influence soil health, profitability and other on-farms outcomes. Therefore, farmers will require better information to support decision-making on soil management activities aimed to improve soil health and soil carbon, and the linkages between these actions to help prioritisation of farm management and respond to shifting markets.
Other related elements:
- Soil health reporting and soil properties that are key indicators
- Soil carbon gap mapping (on-farm and regional) and relationships with on-farm management. Building the on-farm evidence to support carbon neutral claims
Research questions
What is driving variation in soil properties and constraints, and how does this relate to soil carbon and soil health management actions at multiple scales?
What (if any) are the management levers for optimising soil amendments for multiple outcomes (soil carbon, soil health, productivity)?
Where are the greatest sources of variability in soil properties and soil carbon at the farm scale, and how do these vary with climate, landscape and management practices?
Proposed structure of research
- Desktop based assessments (mapping and analyses) using existing data from industry partners other public and private sources of information.
- Field-based assessment to target key knowledge gaps identified in step 1, particularly in relation to (a) carbon gap mapping and (b) variability and benchmarking.
Supervision
Industry Partner and Student Host:
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Principal Supervisor:
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Dr Birgita Hansen, Dr Nathan Robinson
Industry Supervisor: TBC
Federation University is pleased offer an Australian Research Council funded PhD scholarship in MultiPhysics.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $32,212 per annum
Project support: $2,000 per annum
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $24,780 per annum covered
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mount Helen, Ballarat
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applicants must possess the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- Development of numerical methods for application in computational structural analysis, e.g., finite element method, meshless method, boundary element method, scaled boundary finite element method.
- Programming numerical methods for computational structural analysis. Familiarity with Matlab, Python, C++ will be required
Applicants can demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience in their application in the units completed in undergraduate/postgraduate degrees, thesis, publications or internships
Applications will be accepted from Australia & NZ citizens, permanent residents, and international applicants.
Applicants should contact Associate Professor Ooi Ean Tat prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 30 September 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: To be negotiated
Research project details
Project title: Computational MultiPhysics Analysis of 3D Structural Damage and Failure
Engineered structures e.g. buildings, pipelines, transport infrastructure, and commercial hubs form the backbone of economic prosperity and community safety in modern society. These structures play a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of various communal systems. Their continued operation is essential for the progress of society.
Physical changes resulting from climate change, such as more frequent extreme weather events and shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, pose significant risks to the reliability of structures. Such types of phenomena can cause damage and even failure, leading to unplanned capital and operational expenditure. This undermines the long-term reliability of structures, which can have significant implications for the economy and the community's safety. Thus, it is vital to invest in initiatives and develop capabilities that can help to mitigate the impact of climate change on engineered structures.
Climate resilience and adaptation of structures are vital for sustainable structural engineering. The design, strategic planning and management of structures must account for damage and failure from both mechanical loadings and Multiphysics processes. The latter involves a structure's interaction with the environment e.g. temperature and precipitation. The analysis of these complex phenomena requires the application of advanced computer modelling techniques.
This research aims to develop innovative and rational techniques for 3D MultiPhysics modelling of structural damage and failure based on an advanced numerical method viz., the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This truly-adaptive approach is capable of automatically selecting appropriate models to represent the damage zone and adjusting the mesh to evolving 3D failure surfaces. The outcome of the research is a technique for engineering analysis that enables rational assessment and improved due diligence in the risk management of structural damage and failure over an asset’s entire life-cycle, from design to operation. Ultimately, this will reduce operational vulnerability and improve the reliability and safety of structural systems.
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Ooi Ean Tat
E-mail: e.ooi@federation.edu.au
Tel: +61(0)423641822
Associate and Co-Supervisors: To be confirmed
Federation University is pleased to partner with Agriculture Victoria Research to offer a PhD scholarship in Information Technology.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $36,000 per annum for 3.5 years
Top-Up: $3,000 per month during 3-month internship
Project support: $6,000 over 3.5 years
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $26,400 per annum
Funding length: 3.5 years
Location: Ellinbank SmartFarm, Ellinbank VIC 3821
Internship: 3 months internship funding partner
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents, permanent residents, and international applicants.
Deserving candidate requires the following skillset.
Essential:
- A research degree (Honours or Masters) from an accredited university in computer science or electrical engineering.
- Skill in computer programming.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Good problem-solving skills and ability and interest to work on applied research problems.
Desirable
- Experience in computer vision or data analytics.
- Experience of publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Applicants should contact Joarder Kamruzzaman (Joarder.Kamruzzaman@federation.edu.au) prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 30 September 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: To be confirmed once appointed
Research project details
Project title: Muzzle Image Analytics for Detecting Health Events in Dairy Cows
Cow biometrics, like biometrics in humans, is unique to each individual and can be used for identification. Cow biometrics, including identification through muzzle prints, helps study cow populations, track movements, and understand social structures within herds. Although biometric traits such as muzzles and skins have been considered for identifying specific diseases or abnormalities in cattle, biometric technology has not yet been considered for detecting health events that impact animal production. Early detection of production-limiting diseases could result in healthier animals, increased production, and decreased maintenance costs. This project will investigate the suitability of such advanced data analytics models to analyse muzzle images in dairy cows with the following objectives:
- Develop and test a muzzle image acquisition platform that can conveniently and cost-effectively take pictures of muzzles for farmers.
- Develop and field trial an image analytics model with real-time image processing capability and investigate its ability to identify production-limiting diseases.
- Create a national database of muzzle images that can be used for various research purposes. The database will include pictures taken under various lighting and environmental conditions.
Industry Partner and Student Host: Agriculture Victoria Research (Ellinbank SmartFarm)
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Prof. Joarder Kamruzzaman
Joarder.Kamruzzaman@federation.edu.au
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Assoc. Prof. Gayan Appuhamillage & Assoc. Prof. Gour Karmakar
Agriculture Victoria Supervisors:
Dr. Elizabeth M Morse-McNabb, Dr. Farhad Hasan & Prof. Joe L Jacobs
Federation University is pleased to partner with Agriculture Victoria Research to offer a PhD scholarship in Engineering.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $36,000 per annum for 3.5 years
Top-Up: $3,000 per month during 3-month internship
Project support: $6,000 over 3.5 years
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $26,400 per annum
Funding length: 3.5 years
Location: Ellinbank SmartFarm, Ellinbank VIC 3821
Internship: 3 months internship funding partner
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents, permanent residents, and international applicants.
Deserving candidate requires the following skillset.
Essential:
- A research degree (Honours or Masters) from an accredited university in either mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or mechatronics.
- Skill in computer programming.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Good problem-solving skills and ability and interest to work on applied research problems.
Desirable
- Experience in robotics.
- Experience of publishing in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Applicants should contact Associate Professor Gayan Appuhamillage (g.appuhamillage@federation.edu.au) prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 30 September 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: To be confirmed once appointed
Research project details
Project title: Robot-Assisted Pasture Allocation for Improved Feed Allocation in Dairy Farms
Pasture allocation in the dairy industry is critical to managing dairy farms efficiently and sustainably, and optimising dairy cattle health, productivity, and well-being. Fencing divides pasture areas, controls the movement of livestock, and optimises grazing patterns. However, fencing is a labour-intensive and challenging task, thus reducing farm productivity. Reliable state-of-the-art technology and automation of the paddock division could be a viable solution to the problem. The automation of the paddock division represents a transformative approach within the dairy industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline and enhance rotational grazing systems. This could provide an alternative to virtual fencing, which is currently not permitted for commercial use in Victoria. This project will investigate automatic paddock division with the following objectives:
- Develop dynamic fencing technology with robotic electric fence deployment. This innovative system will integrate robotics and electric fencing, offering a dynamic solution for managing pasture boundaries.
- Develop and field trial gate systems that automatically open and close and accommodate automated routing of herds to and from the dairy.
- Develop and test a method, using optimisation, that continuously adapts paddock allocation and internal boundaries to provide optimal pasture utilisation and resource allocation.
Industry Partner and Student Host: Agriculture Victoria Research (Ellinbank SmartFarm)
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Gayan Appuhamillage
g.appuhamillage@federation.edu.au
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Dr Linh Nguyen & Prof. Joarder Kamruzzaman
Agriculture Victoria Supervisors:
Dr. Elizabeth M Morse-McNabb, Dr. Farhad Hasan and Prof. Joe L Jacobs
Federation University is pleased to partner with MKPro Engineering Pty Ltd to offer a PhD scholarship in Lipoprotein Atherosclerosis Project
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 tax free per annum for three years (paid fortnightly)
Top-Up: $10,000 tax free per annum for three years (paid fortnightly)
Total Stipend: $45,000 tax free per annum for three years (paid fortnightly)
Project support: $ 9000
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship: $30,240 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen
Internship: MKPro Engineering Pty Ltd
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Applications will be accepted from Australian residents and permanent residents.
Applicants should contact Fadi Charchar prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: 15 Oct 2024
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: 1 Nov 2024
Research project details
Project title: Co-op Scholarship Program - Lipoprotein Atherosclerosis Project
Lipoprotein Atherosclerosis Project—preventing and desorbing endothelia plaque and deposit build up from endothelial cells.
Industry Partner and Student Host: MKPro Engineering Pty Ltd
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor:
Fadi Charchar - Director of HITC, Federation University
Associate and Co-Supervisors:
Yutang Wang - Senior Lecturer, Biomedical Science, Federation University
Michael Akindeju – Associate Professor of IISS, Federation University
Federation University is pleased to partner with Wyndham Community and Education Centre Inc. to offer a PhD scholarship in the business discipline.
Scholarship details
Stipend: $35,000 tax free per annum for three years (paid fortnightly)
Project support: $9,000
RTP Fee-offset Scholarship / Tuition Fee Scholarship: $24,780 per annum
Funding length: 3 years (only, no extensions permitted)
Location: Mt Helen/Ararat
Internship: TBA
Eligibility
Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
Candidates must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in social sciences, business, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience working in a relevant industry can also be considered.
Applications will be accepted from Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Applicants should contact Prof Harpinder Sandhu prior to submitting an application.
Application closing date: Open until filled
How to apply: Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application
Commencement date: TBA
Research project details
Project title: Building life after migration: how programs and events help refugee youth settlement outcomes?
There is a growing literature on the settlement of migrants and refugee communities. However, there is a lack of understanding of the factors that promote the successful settlement of young migrants and refugees in Australia. Therefore, to create a socially inclusive and equitable society, we need to understand various programs and events that can help streamline the settlement of refugees, especially youth. This PhD study will examine the effectiveness of programs, projects and events for refugee youth and South Sudanese youth provided by a community organisation and how they contribute to positive settlement outcomes.
This project is aligned with the multi-disciplinary research at the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct (AJTP). AJTP is part of the Future Regions Research Centre, which aims to address social, economic, and environmental challenges in the regions. AJTP, a partnership between Federation University, Ararat Rural City, industry and community stakeholders, aims to help develop a sustainable and vibrant rural economy. AJTP, led by Professor Harpinder Sandhu (Principal Supervisor), has expertise in conducting transdisciplinary research on integrating social, natural and human capital for sustainable development. Dr Jasvinder Sidhu (Associate Supervisor) leads an internally funded research project on, ‘Opportunities for Social Capital Development in Ararat by Working with the Karen Community.’ The PhD project, in collaboration with the Wyndham Community Education Centre, will help strengthen this research area, which is aligned with the strategic directions of the AJTP, which aims to work with communities for regional economic development. The research outputs will contribute to the growing literature on social capital and refugee settlement.
Industry Partner and Student Host: Wyndham Community & Education Centre offers quality community programs, educational opportunities and employment services to the local community. Founded in 1974, Wyndham CEC is one of Victoria’s largest Adult & Community Education providers and a leader in supporting people and communities to make positive changes for their future.
Supervisors:
Principal Supervisor: Prof Harpinder Sandhu
Associate and Co-Supervisors: Dr Jasvinder Sidhu
How to apply
Some industry scholarships have expression of interest forms that must be submitted along with your candidature application. Please ensure you read the scholarship information carefully and complete all steps.
Directions on how to apply are available at Apply - Higher Degrees by Research. Please include the name of the scholarship for which you are applying on the Admission Form. All applicants should check their eligibility prior to applying.
Applications should include all relevant supporting documentation and Federation University must receive completed referee report forms by the scholarship closing date. As part of their application, prospective Higher Degree by Research applicants are also required to provide:
- Transcripts of all tertiary level academic study
- Australian citizens must provide a copy of their birth certificate or passport
- Permanent Residents must provide a copy of their visa and passport
- List of published work with URL links and/or copy of each publication
- Copy of honours or masters thesis abstract
- Evidence for Australian honours equivalency, if applicable.
- Any awards or accolades
- Any other evidence of research performance
Federation University partners with local industry to provide research opportunities and regional innovation. If your company or organisation has a project suitable for research and wish to sponsor a higher degrees by research candidate then contact us at research.degrees@federation.edu.au.