Applications open for industry PhDs

Applications under the fifth round of the National Industry PhD Program have opened for PhD candidates and businesses interested in turning their big ideas into new products and services, with scholarships set to build on $13.3 million of funding on 70 projects underway since the Program started.

Assistant Minister for Education, Anthony Chisholm, said the program was part of a $296 million initiative creating powerful opportunities for developing a new workforce skilled in turning our world-class research into commercial outcomes.

“Empowering our aspiring researchers through this program will make it easier for industry to tap into an inspiring talent pool of PhD candidates or for industry employees to undertake a PhD, helping to turn those ideas into Australian inventions that contribute to a stronger and more productive economy,” Assistant Minister Chisholm said. 

“It’s been really encouraging to see how the previous four rounds of this program have supported innovators from academia and industry with a passion for big ideas, and who are contributing to the success of Australia.

“Projects recently kick-started include improving the safety of self-driving vehicles through better driver interaction, improving the lives of people with dementia, and supporting the medical profession to predict a patient’s response to therapy.”

Four PhD students at Griffith University have been some of the latest researchers to commence their study thanks to the support offered through the National Industry PhD Program. 

Their work with cutting edge renewable energy start-up RedX aims to create world-leading expertise in energy storage and grid stability, with these four PhD students also being brought on board by RedX to integrate research findings into the start-up’s operations.

“We are thrilled to embark on this promising collaboration with RedX. When academia and industry join forces, the pace of innovation accelerates, and this project is a testament to that potential,” Professor Alan Liew, Head of School, the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University said.

“The Industry PhD Program supports our employees to pursue a PhD with guidance from a world-leading university, allowing them to explore innovative ideas and create something beneficial for society,” RedX CEO Jonathan Chen said.

PhD Student and Director of Software Engineering at RedX Chois Cai said: “The support and structure provided by the National Industry PhD Program has been instrumental in driving this research forward.”

Applications for Round 5 close on 14 March 2025. Further information about the program and application process can be found here.