Project & industry research scholarships

Executive function refers broadly to the organization and management of thoughts and behaviours, and is a neurocognitive process thought to underpin eating disorder psychopathology. Generally, behavioural outcomes and associated neurobiological correlates indicate that performance on such tasks is typically compromised in participants with eating disorders. 

However, when disorder salient (i.e., high-calorie food) stimuli are presented, participants with anorexia nervosa show superior performance, demonstrating an increased sensitivity to the potential for weight gain. This raises questions regarding the role of “hot” (i.e. emotive or rewarding) and “cool” (i.e. purely cognitive) executive function in eating disorder psychopathology, which will be the focus of the present project. 

The research team have internationally recognised expertise in the fields of clinical/cognitive psychology and neuroscience, combined sharing over 50 peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields. Students who have at least an honours degree in psychology (or related field) with an interest in neuropsychology are encouraged to apply.

Supervisors: Dr Melissa Kirkovski, Dr Jessica Scarfo

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Melissa Kirkovski, [email protected]  

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a sensory and perceptual phenomenon, often elicited by certain audio-visual “triggers” (e.g., whispering, hand movements, tapping). These triggers induce a “tingling” sensation across the scalp and spine, often resulting in a state of relaxation or calmness. 

Research suggests those with heightened sensory sensitivity may experience ASMR more intensely, and that interoceptive awareness might facilitate this. Sensory sensitivity is a classic characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (autism), however, seemingly counterintuitively, autistic individuals often demonstrate poorer interoceptive ability and respond with hyporeactivity. This project will explore the link between ASMR, sensory sensitivity, interoception, and autism. 

The research team have internationally recognised expertise in the fields of clinical/cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and autism research; combined sharing over 50 peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields. Students who have at least an honours degree in psychology (or related field) with an interest in neuropsychology are encouraged to apply.

Supervisors: Dr Melissa Kirkovski, Dr Jessica Scarfo

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Melissa Kirkovski, [email protected]  

Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), a State Government Funded Specialist Sports School Program, provides a unique training and education environment for aspiring athletes in Melbourne’s inner west. Currently, it consists of 575 enrolled students making it the largest and most prominent school-based sporting academy in Australia. 

A key challenge in this environment, is understanding the multi-disciplinary nature related to holistic youth athlete development (e.g., physical preparation; skill development; coaching environment; injury prevention; rehabilitation; mental well-being; and academic performance). 

This research project will attempt to address ‘real-world’ challenges faced with the provision of safe, supportive environments which will have a positive impact on the youth athlete’s performance, health and well-being. To address this, the project will attempt to understand the importance of youth athlete assessment and monitoring systems with the aim of improving current practice to enhance current and future athlete performance.

Supervisors: Dr Paul Larkin, Professor Michael Spittle

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Paul Larkin, [email protected]

How humans learn to actively explore, adapt to, and affectively relate with their surrounds is a question of fundamental importance asked across many disciplines. Though, in our current geopolitical era, finding space supportive of exploratory, varied and adaptive movement in the community is of concern for a variety of reasons. 

Notwithstanding, declines in opportunities to engage in exploratory movement go hand-in-glove with global declines in physical and ecological literacy of people across the lifespan. 

In offering an innovative way to think-with this societal challenge, the notion of 'leftover spaces' in urban environments has been recently espoused. These are defined as spaces with no assigned function, which are juxtaposed against those with pre-determined functions. Examples include spaces in-between building allotments, areas beneath bridges, and abandoned piers or jetties. 

Our project aims to investigate how spaces leftover can be redesigned to solicit opportunities for exploratory, varied and adaptive movement in the community.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Carl Woods, Professor Camilla Brockett

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor Carl Woods, [email protected]

Performance failure in sport has been researched primarily through self-report questionnaires and interviews, but limited knowledge is known about the objective measures of eye tracking and brain functioning when performance failures occur. 

The objective of this PhD project is to investigate the eye tracking and brain functioning metrics associated with performance failure. The research team consists of sport psychology, sport science, and neuroscience experts who are eminent researchers in performance failure, eye tracking, and neuroscience. 

Students who have at least an honours degree in psychology or sport psychology are encouraged to apply. An understanding of the mechanisms behind performance failure and choking under pressure with a keen willingness to understand eye tracking and EEG equipment are essential. Willingness to undertake (or have already obtained) eye tracking training and a basic knowledge of the use of EEG equipment are also essential.

Supervisors: Dr Christopher Mesagno, Professor Michael Spittle, Dr Melissa Kirkovski

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: Dr Christopher Mesagno, [email protected]

This project aims to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of family and friends caring for people living with dementia, and support the next generation of psychologists to work effectively with older adults and their families. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Imogen Rehm and clinician academics with expertise in clinical and neuropsychology to:

1. Develop a telehealth group-based intervention for family and friends caring for people living with dementia in partnership with carers and carer advocates, relevant healthcare professionals, and experts in geropsychology.

2. Support trainee psychologists to develop their skills to deliver the intervention to dementia carers.

3. Use mixed-methods research procedures to evaluate the intervention with regards to: (a) effects upon carers’ psychosocial outcomes; and (b) effects upon trainee psychologists’ knowledge, skills, and confidence.

We encourage mental health clinicians and/or those with a background in psychology and interested in dementia care to apply.

Supervisors: Dr Imogen Rehm, Dr Monika Coceski, Dr Bruce Walmsley

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Imogen Rehm, [email protected]

Mitochondria are often described as the energy-producing “powerhouses” of the cell. Given their pivotal role in providing energy, it is unsurprising that mitochondrial defects have been associated with poor health and impaired skeletal muscle function. 

This project aims to use state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., proteomics, transcriptomics, advanced bioinformatics, and three-dimensional imaging) to better understand how mitochondria adapt to the stress of different types of exercise. Our team has published many highly cited papers on this topic in high-impact journals (e.g., Nature Communications, Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, and the Journal of Physiology), and we are looking to expand on this work with this project. To do this, we are looking to recruit a PhD student with a background in molecular biology and/or bioinformatics. 

Ultimately, our goal is to improve the prescription of exercise to optimise mitochondrial adaptations important for health and human performance.

Supervisors: Professor David Bishop, Dr Nick Saner

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Professor David Bishop, [email protected]  

This project offers an opportunity to improve Australian mental healthcare professionals’ skills, knowledge, and confidence to provide safe and evidence-informed care to people seeking support for body dissatisfaction and related concerns. This project seeks to:

1. Use co-design and participatory research methods that centre the lived experience of people with diverse body image experiences to develop accessible training programs and resources for upskilling the mental health workforce, in collaboration with experts by training, research, and industry partners. 

2. Deliver the training to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and allied mental healthcare professionals; and evaluate its impact upon participants’ adoption of best-practices for supporting people with body dissatisfaction and related concerns.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Imogen Rehm and clinician academics with expertise in co-design, program evaluation, body image, and eating disorders. Candidates with backgrounds in psychology, multi-disciplinary settings, and interest in body image/eating disorders are encouraged to apply.

Supervisors: Dr Imogen Rehm, Dr Jo Doley, Dr Linda Chiodo, Dr Amy Quayle

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Imogen Rehm, [email protected]

Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), a State Government Funded Specialist Sports School Program, provides a unique training and education environment for aspiring athletes in Melbourne’s inner west. Of the 575 enrolled students, 45% are female. 

Research into female talent identification and development is sparse hence practitioners working in talent development environments have limited knowledge of the physical, psychological, technical and tactical markers that progress into high performance for female athletes. 

This project will attempt to determine factors affecting talent development in female athletes using a multi-disciplinary approach. In an Australian first, MSA recently launched the Maribyrnong Sports Academy Research Centre (MSARC) in partnership with Victoria University, a multi-disciplinary research centre embedded within the sports academy.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a supervisory team consisting of academics and practitioners, who are experts in developing physical, psychological, technical and tactical excellence in youth athletes.

Supervisors:  Dr Paul Larkin, Associate Professor Carl Woods

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Dr Paul Larkin, [email protected]

There are multiple risk factors for the development of osteoarthritis (OA), with the most common of these being increased body weight and decreased muscle mass. Not only is the risk for developing OA increased with increasing body weight, pre-surgical obesity is also associated with worse clinical outcomes of hip or knee arthroplasty in terms of pain, disability and complications. 

The aim of this PhD project is to determine nutrition knowledge, weight and dieting history and the nutritional intake in patients awaiting knee or hip arthroplasty and their correlation to clinical outcomes, pre and post surgery. It will also investigate dietary interventions to improve clinical outcomes in this cohort. 

This project, to be completed in collaboration with Western Health Orthopaedic Department, would be well suited to a PhD candidate who is a dietitian who has a passion for research and is looking to enhance their training and expertise.

Supervisors:  Professor Andrew McAinch, Professor Phong Tran (Western Health), Dr Lannie O’Keefe

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Professor Andrew McAinch, [email protected]

Our research team is situated within the Safety and Wellbeing in Sport research group, within the Institute for Health and Sport. Our overarching aim is to ensure sporting environments are safe (equitable, inclusive, respectful and free from abuse) for all so that the physical, mental, and social health benefits of sport participation can be actualized. 

Our research explores issues of safety and wellbeing in sport that range from normative violence and abuse, to governance and regulation and safeguarding interventions. 

We are looking for someone passionate about the field of safe sport and welcome applicants from a diverse range of relevant disciplines (sport science, psychology, sport management, sociology etc).

Supervisors:  Dr Mary Woessner, Professor Alex Parker, Associate Professor Fiona McLachlan, Aurelie Pankowiak

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Dr Mary Woessner, [email protected]  

This project seeks to chart the intersections between impactful images of sport, art, healing, and communal justice. More broadly it is interested in how forms of art (such as visual art, theatre, and music) can help make sport a place of truth-telling around racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. 

The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Matthew Klugman and Professor Christopher Sonn. It will also be linked to A/Prof Klugman’s Australian Research Council Future Fellowship, Representing, Debating & Protesting the Nation: The Visual Legacy of Sport.

Supervisors:  Associate Professor Matthew Klugman, Professor Chris Sonn

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Associate Professor Matthew Klugman, [email protected]

Bone may play an important role in muscle health, however, this role may be different between men and women. In addition, the mechanisms of action of bone peptides in muscle is largely unknown. This project aims to uncover whether the bone peptides function in muscle is sex and/or age specific. 

This project will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of bone-muscle interaction and the functional and clinical implications of such interaction. The benefits of this include the development of future health interventions to improve muscle mass and strength so Australians can age healthier.

Supervisors:  Professor Itamar Levinger, Professor Alan Hayes, Associate Professor Emma Rybalka

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Professor Itamar Levinger, [email protected]

Adenylosuccinate synthetase 1 (ADSS1) myopathy is a progressive, debilitating, and life-threatening muscular disease that progresses from adolescence. Muscle weakness and wasting leads to loss of ambulation and swallowing in adulthood and cardiorespiratory complications, necessitating external assistance for daily activities. There is no cure or effective treatment. 

The project is developing the first indicated treatment for ADSS1 myopathy, directly targeting the biochemical defect in ADSS1 deficient muscles. Additionally, the project will characterise the molecular pathophysiology stemming from the biochemical defect to identify other potential drug targets. Through this project, we are addressing a significant gap in treatment options for this underserved population.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Emma Rybalka, Dr Cara Timpani

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor Emma Rybalka, [email protected]  

Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), a State Government-funded Specialist Sports School, offers a premier training and educational environment for aspiring athletes in Melbourne's inner west. With 575 enrolled students, MSA is Australia’s largest and most prominent school-based sports academy. Students are coached and mentored daily by experts, including Olympians and former professional athletes. 

This research project seeks to tackle real-world challenges in youth athlete development by exploring best practices in skill development and constraint-based coaching which have a positive impact on the youth athlete’s talent development and performance.

The project, part of the newly launched Maribyrnong Sports Academy Research Centre (MSARC) in partnership with Victoria University, provides a unique opportunity to work with leading academics and practitioners to enhance the development of high-performance youth athletes. 

Supervisors: Dr Paul Larkin, Professor Michael Spittle 

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants 

For more information, please contact: [email protected]  

This research project aims to develop a multiphysics model of arterial blood flow for both healthy individuals and diabetic patients with varying levels of arterial stiffness. 

The PhD candidate will collaborate with clinical doctors and use existing clinical research data on diabetic patients. The supervisory team’s research collaboration will provide realistic ultrasound and CT or MRI data to simulate haemodynamic flow conditions using a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) approach. 

The model will be validated through particle image velocimetry (PIV) to account for arterial wall compliance. This research will offer insights into the mechanical behaviour of arteries under different conditions and enhance the understanding of cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.

We seek a talented candidate interested in acquiring advanced skills in biomechanics and cardiovascular research through this unique interdisciplinary opportunity.

Supervisors: The research team includes Dr. Jingliang Dong, an ARC DECRA Fellow with over 10 years of experience in biomechanical engineering, and Professor Itamar Levinger, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with extensive expertise in exercise rehabilitation for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, muscle function, and cell signalling in humans and murine models. 

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants.

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]  

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an incurable muscle-wasting disease with limited treatment options. The disease is fatal, and sufferers ultimately succumb to cardiorespiratory failure in their mid-twenties. New and effective therapeutic interventions are of the essence. 

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota play a crucial role in maintaining muscle health and our preliminary data demonstrates that targeting the microbiota, through restoration of a healthy microbiota profile, attenuates deficits in muscle function and quality in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The mechanisms driving these benefits to skeletal muscle are unknown and will be crucial to discover to progress integration into clinical management. 

This research project will uncover these mechanisms and illuminate novel, modifiable targets for therapeutic development. Importantly, the findings of this research will be far-reaching and could impact other rare, poorly treated muscle-wasting diseases including ADSS1 myopathy, ALS and Limb Girdle muscular dystrophy.  

Supervisors: Associate Professor Emma Rybalka, Dr Cara Timpani

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor Emma Rybalka, [email protected]  

Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), a State Government-funded specialist sports school, offers a premier training and educational environment for aspiring athletes in Melbourne's inner west. With 575 enrolled students, MSA is Australia’s largest and most prominent school-based sports academy. 

This research project seeks to understand the training load of youth athletes in sports such as Volleyball, Netball and Basketball, by clarifying the workload demands of constraint-based coaching practices. The project, part of the newly launched Maribyrnong Sports Academy Research Centre (MSARC) in partnership with Victoria University, provides a unique opportunity to work with leading academics and practitioners to enhance the development of high performance youth athletes.

Supervisors: Dr Paul Larkin, Jayde Haycraft, Dr Alice Sweeting

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Paul Larkin, [email protected]

Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA), a State Government–funded specialist sports school, offers a premier training and educational environment for aspiring athletes in Melbourne's inner west. With 575 enrolled students, MSA is Australia’s largest and most prominent school-based sports academy. 

This research project seeks to understand the training load of youth athletes in sports such as volleyball, netball and basketball, by clarifying the workload demands of constraint-based coaching practices. The project, part of the newly launched Maribyrnong Sports Academy Research Centre (MSARC) in partnership with Victoria University, provides a unique opportunity to work with leading academics and practitioners to enhance the development of high-performance youth athletes.

Supervisors: Dr Paul Larkin, Jayde Haycraft

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Paul Larkin, [email protected]

This project aims to develop a scientific approach to understanding the transport and absorption of airborne substances (including those in the micron and nanoscale ranges) within animal and human respiratory airways. 

By revealing particle deposition and absorption characteristics, the study will provide critical insights into regional dosages and their correlation with tissue responses, which are vital for evaluating dose-response relationships that reflect toxicity or therapeutic effects.

Supervisors

The research team comprises Dr Jingliang Dong, an ARC DECRA Fellow with over 10 years of experience in aerosol transport and deposition, and Dr Lannie O'Keefe (APD), an active researcher in metabolism and molecular biology. We are looking for a talented candidate interested in gaining advanced skills in biomechanics and molecular biology through this unique interdisciplinary research opportunity.

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]

Performance failure affects athletes’ mental health and is associated with increased depressive symptoms with research (Mesagno et al., 2024) indicating 10% of high-performance (HP) adult athletes considered suicide after performance failure. Limited research, however, exists about the effect of performance failure on HP youth athletes and interventions that improve performance and/ or mental health. 

The objectives of this PhD project are to investigate the mental health difficulties of HP youth athletes after performance failure and apply interventions to improve performance and resilience after performance failure. 

The research team consists of sport and psychology researchers in performance failure, psychological interventions and who work with (youth) athletes to enhance performance and mental health, including researchers from Maribyrnong Sports Academy Research Centre.

Students trained in clinical psychology or sport psychology (or similar) are encouraged to apply. Students should have (or be willing to get) a Working with Children’s Check before the project starts.

Supervisors: 

• Dr Christopher Mesagno
• Dr Paul Larkin

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact Dr Christopher Mesagno at [email protected]  

Performance failure affects athletes’ mental health and is associated with increased depressive symptoms with recent Victoria University (VU) qualitative research indicating that self-presentation (i.e., impression management) issues may be a reason for decreases in performance and poor mental health, especially for high-performance athletes. 

Thus, the objectives of this PhD project are to investigate the links between self-presentation and performance failure and determine which psychological approach (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance-commitment therapy, etc.) should be used to benefit performance and mental health athletes concurrently.

This study may involve different experimental or mixed-method designs and include the use of eye tracking equipment owned by VU. The research team consists of sport and psychology researchers in performance failure and psychological interventions, who work with athletes to enhance performance and mental health.

Students with a strong interest in the use of theory-driven applied sport psychology interventions are encouraged to apply. Clinical psychology experience is desirable.

Supervisors: Dr Christopher Mesagno, Professor Michael Spittle

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]

This is an exciting opportunity to work with Australian Football League (AFL) club North Melbourne on an innovative project in high-performance sport.

The design of practice tasks that support skill development is of the upmost importance in high-performance sport. A key component of this relates to an appreciation that actions do not occur in a vacuum, but are dependent on a variety of interacting constraints. Given this, contemporary perspectives of performance preparation increasingly advocate for the integration of a Department of Methodology in high-performance sport – the aim of which is to unify performance support across an organisation. To guide its integration, the notion of representative learning design – positing that practice tasks should preserve key information-movement couplings – has been shown to be particularly helpful.

Through a series of interwoven studies, this doctoral thesis will first aim to explore ways of integrating a Department of Methodology in professional Australian football. Then, it will use this integration to demonstrate its import for the design of practice tasks representative of the broader demands of competition.

The successful applicant will undertake an internship within the club, gaining both academic and industry experience throughout the PhD. The successful applicant will also receive an industry scholarship top up, as well as the VU Research Training Program stipend rate. 

Supervisors: Associate Professor Carl Woods, Professor Camilla Brockett

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents only

For more information, please contact: [email protected]
 

The Aboriginal History Archive Research Scholarship are granted to candidates with a strong understanding of the nature of community control to conduct independent and team-based research, which will contribute to the research project - Resetting the Record: Indigenous History, Truth and Justice - funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

Led by Professor Gary Foley, the overarching aim of the project is to unearth Indigenous history, stories, alternative narratives and learnings from the past, to engage communities, present into the public debate, provide materials for curricula, and, most importantly, make submissions to the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission in Victoria.

Participation in this project provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research in Indigenous history, truth and justice.

Incorporating employment equity and diversity into the evolving HRM framework is crucial for fostering an inclusive digital workplace. This research emphasises the integration of diverse talents and equitable opportunities in the human-robot collaboration era. By focusing on equity and diversity, HRM can ensure that all employees, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to upskill and adapt to new technologies. 

The study will explore strategies for creating a diverse workforce where varied perspectives enhance innovation and problem-solving. It will also address the equitable recruitment and development of both human and robotic workers, ensuring that the transition towards a technologically advanced workplace is inclusive and respects the diversity of the workforce. This approach aligns with the broader organizational goals of fostering an inclusive culture that values and leverages differences for competitive advantage.

Supervisors:  Dr Nilufa Khanom, Dr Omid Ameri Sianaki, Associate Professor Himanshu Shee, Dr Ranjith Ihalanayake

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Dr Nilufa Khanom, [email protected]  

Managing relationship dynamics and ensuring effective facilitation of learning are significant.

challenges in Interprofessional Education (IPE). Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive training, support for facilitators, and creating a collaborative learning culture. Insights from research emphasize the importance of tailored staff development programs and reflective practice to enhance the effectiveness of IPE.

The researchers will work with colleagues to co-design interprofessional units of study for Speech Pathology and Early Childhood/ Teaching students. Implementing these units will provide practical insights into the real-world application of IPE principles, fostering an immediate impact on student learning. Feedback from staff will inform the framework for future unit designs. Student knowledge and skills in interprofessional collaboration will be evaluated during their course and into their time in the workplace.

Our team of SLP and Teaching colleagues is looking for an HDR student with a background in education and/ or speech pathology. An interest in adult learning pedagogies is important, as is interest in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Supervisors: Dr Bianca Jackson, Associate Professor Mark Vicars

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]  

This project aims to develop an advanced system for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and fault localization in both single-phase and poly-phase electricity networks. The focus is on enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrical distribution systems by using cutting-edge technologies such as IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, and power line communications.

Research methodology involves the use of artificial intelligence models to detect anomalies in network performance that could indicate early signs of faults, inefficiencies, or potential hazards. The system should distinguish between normal variations and significant deviations that require immediate attention.

A secondary research outcome will be a fault localization mechanism that accurately identifies the location of faults within the network, enabling rapid response and minimizing disruption. This will involve the integration of signal processing techniques and advanced analytics to pinpoint fault locations with high precision.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Cagil Ozansoy, Dr Douglas Gomes, Dr Rui Li.

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]  

This project will look at the design and integration of wireless communications using a hovering enodeB on a UAV platform.

You must understand antenna arrays, design and optimisation of wireless network systems. A good understanding of Radio frequency propagation in general is a great asset, as well as utilising network design tools that implement propagation models such as Hata/Okamura. 

You must be familiar with modulation techniques such as quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and network access mechanisms such as orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). Link budgeting in wireless networks is an added advantage for your application.

Supervisors: Dr Horace King, Dr Rui Li

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]  

The project aims to develop and implement a Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) system for the precise localisation of faults within both underground cables and overhead networks. 

TDR is a diagnostic technique to detect and pinpoint faults in transmission lines. By measuring reflections of electrical signals sent down a cable or network, TDR can accurately identify the location of faults such as short circuits, open circuits, or insulation breakdowns. 

The key research outcome will be a robust TDR system capable of generating and analyzing high-frequency electrical signals to detect faults in both underground and overhead networks. The project incorporates advanced signal processing algorithms to accurately interpret the reflected signals, enabling the precise determination of fault locations. 

Early and precise fault detection will help prevent catastrophic failures that could pose safety risks to personnel and the public, particularly in high-voltage environments.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Cagil Ozansoy, Dr Douglas Gomes, Dr Rui Li.

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants.

For more information, please contact:  [email protected]

Phenolic foam (PF) is a versatile material widely used across the globe to manufacture panels for insulation in buildings. Manufacturing these panels however leads to vast quantities of phenolic off-cuts which are either discarded in landfill sites or incinerated for energy recovery. Additionally, insulation panels installed in buildings are not recycled at end-of-life. As a thermoset composite, phenolic plastic cannot easily be repossessed or reformed. 

Recycling insulation panel waste can provide a sustainable source of raw materials for the construction industry. PF features valuable material properties including high thermal performance, fire resistance and low density. Hence upon proper treatment, PF waste can be used to develop novel building materials that feature energy-efficient and fire-retardant properties and reduced environmental impacts. This project aims to investigate the feasibility of using recycled PF waste from insulation panel manufacturing to develop environmentally sustainable building materials including recycled insulation panel boards and cement-based insulating mortars.

Supervisors: Dr Yanni Bouras, Dr Le Li

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Yanni Bouras, [email protected]

This study creates a dual focus on energy efficiency and optimal indoor air quality in Net-Zero corridors, incorporating a Personalised Comfort Model. Net-Zero Corridors (NZC), like a university campus, are designated zones where the total carbon emissions are offset by renewable energy generation and sustainability measures. 

NZC designs often focus on energy balance and overlook the dynamic nature of indoor environments, leading to either energy wastage or compromised IAQ. We aim to adapt IAQ control strategies and ventilation systems to individual comfort preferences, real-time occupancy, and environmental data. 

Led by Dr Nima Izadyar and Associate Professor Elmira Jamei, we combine expertise in building energy efficiency, sustainable built environments, indoor environment quality, thermal comfort, environmental urban planning, and green energy sources. 

We seek collaborators and researchers passionate about pioneering sustainable building solutions, aiming to create intelligent, responsive buildings that optimise comfort and energy efficiency, contributing to healthier, more sustainable living spaces.

Supervisors: Nima Izadyar, Associate Professor Elmira Jamei

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Nima Izadyar, [email protected]

Fire events such as tunnel fires, building fires, and mine fires have become increasingly common in the recent past, exposing the surrounding environment to elevated temperatures. 

This research project aims to investigate the post-fire creep behaviour of geological media (rocks and soils) to enhance infrastructure risk management near fire-prone areas. By studying how geological materials behave under sustained loading following exposure to fire, the project seeks to understand the long-term implications for infrastructure stability and resilience. 

Through laboratory experiments and numerical modelling, the research will assess factors influencing post-fire creep, such as temperature exposure, moisture content, and material composition. The findings will provide valuable insights into the deformation mechanisms of geological media after fire events, informing risk assessment and mitigation strategies for critical infrastructure located in fire-prone regions. 

Ultimately, this research contributes to improving the resilience of infrastructure systems and enhancing their ability to withstand the impacts of fire hazards.

Supervisors: Dr Wasantha Liyanage, Professor Maurice Guerrieri

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Wasantha Liyanage, [email protected]

This project aims to develop an industry-ready asphalt mix design by incorporating waste materials from water industries, diverting them from landfills. 

Supervised by experts Yaghoubi and Sandanayake in green construction materials, asphalt mixtures, life cycle assessment, and infrastructure modelling, the study addresses sustainability challenges in waste management as well as commercialisation of green asphalt pavements. 

By repurposing waste materials from water industries, in particular, VU’s major partner Greater Western Water, the project aims to reduce environmental impact and offer a practical solution for the construction industry. Through advanced modelling and performance testing, innovative asphalt mixtures will be developed and evaluated, promoting sustainable practices within the transportation sector. 

The mechanical and modelling studies will be complemented with a life cycle assessment to make the outcomes more attractive for the construction market. VU’s advanced pavement and Bitumen laboratory is a valuable asset for a successful delivery of this project.

Supervisors:  Associate Professor Ehsan Yaghoubi, Associate Professor Malindu Sandanayake

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor Ehsan Yaghoubi, [email protected]  

Hydroponic farming, independent of outdoor weather conditions, enables year-round production in a controlled environment. In this project, three major challenges related to hydroponic farming will be addressed. 

Firstly, to maximise the production and minimise human intervention during the growing process, artificial intelligence (AI) and remote monitoring will be implemented. Critical growing parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, pH value and electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solutions will be monitored and adjusted automatically via a remote system. 

Secondly, due to the high-density cultivation of similar plant species in hydroponic systems, it is known that the current growing techniques are prone to insect infections. To mitigate this, an AI-driven image recognition technology and automated chemical control systems will be employed. 

Lastly, the overall operational cost of current hydroponic farms is high due to the massive energy consumption. This project will propose an intelligent energy monitoring and management solution to reduce these costs. 

Supervisors: Dr Hing-Wah Chau, Associate Professor Elmira Jamei, Dr Nitin Muttil, Dr Rui Li

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Hing-Wah Chau, [email protected]

The project introduces Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based approach to optimise designs, thereby minimising material waste through the application of parametric design principles. The objective is to promote sustainable building, which in turn enhances the efficiency of construction processes, develops sustainable solution for the built environment and maximises resource utilisation while reducing waste. 

Our research team has expertise in sustainable building practices, building information modelling and circular economy. We are looking for someone passionate about the field of sustainable built environment and welcome applicants from a range of relevant discipline (construction, architecture, engineering and project management).

Supervisors: Dr Melissa Chan, Associate Professor Malindu Sandanayake

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Melissa Chan, [email protected]

This PhD research project investigates the mechanical and environmental performance of innovative asphalt mixtures. This research aligns with Victoria University's strategic goals of promoting sustainability within the civil engineering domain. It focuses on utilising recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and bio-based bitumen to enhance the sustainability of road construction. The methodology encompasses a comprehensive literature review, followed by laboratory tests such as Resilient Modulus and Flexural Fatigue tests, and numerical simulations using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). 

This project leverages Victoria University's cutting-edge facilities, including AsphaltQUBE and Universal Testing Machines, to compare the performance of recycled mixtures against conventional asphalt. The research aims to contribute to sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on virgin materials and minimising environmental impact.

Supervisors:  Dr Rudi van Staden, Associate Professor Ehsan Yaghoubi

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Rudi van Staden, [email protected]  

This project addresses a current need from communities and water industry looking to harness contaminant-free water from polluted industry sources and stormwater. It involves the development of a new kind of high-efficiency photocatalytic membrane reactor made of light-transmitting materials such as porous glass, with a functional nanoporous photocatalyst coating. Prior VU research has shown this membrane design has the potential to completely destroy contaminants using either UV LEDs or sunlight. 

This project brings together expertise of Prof Mikel Duke in membrane science, inorganic materials and photocatalysis with optical physics expertise of Dr Fotios Sidiroglou to advance the concept and explore innovative developments of membrane materials, targeted industrial applications and novel analytical techniques. By joining us on this project, you will help us to explore further potential of the novel concept towards resolving our need for contaminant-free environments and water supplies. 

Supervisors:  Dr Mikel Duke, Dr Fotos Sidiroglou

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Dr Mikel Duke, [email protected]

This project focuses on creating a new, sustainable cement mortar mix that replaces 40% of traditional cement with treated water treatment sludge. This innovative product offers a double win: it diverts significant amounts of this non-hazardous waste from landfills and reduces reliance on energy-intensive virgin cement production. 

In Australia, water treatment plants generate an average of 40,000 tons of annual sludge, a non-hazardous waste currently disposed of in landfills. The challenge lies in transforming this waste into a valuable resource while achieving environmental and economic benefits. 

This project aims to address this challenge by developing a value-added product within a circular economy framework.

Supervisors:  Associate Professor Shobha Muthukumaran, Associate Professor Malindu Sandanayake, Associate Professor Paul Joseph

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor Shobha Muthukumaran, [email protected]  

Currently, Victoria is in a period of rapid transition of waste to energy (WTE). 

The most favorable technology to achieve this is to use anaerobic digester which generate biogas by using organic waste. This will reduce the volume of organic waste to landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emission, and generate renewable energy, and thus creates a circular economy. 

As a by-product, large volume of liquid digestate with high concentration of valuable ammonia nitrogen nutrient will be produced. The cost for using the conventional techniques to treat this digestate is high, and it is proposed to use hollow fiber hydrophobic membranes for the recovery of nitrogen nutrient.

Supervisors: Professor Jun-De Li, Dr Jianhua Zhang, Professor Stephen Gray

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Efficient filling methods are vital for structural stability and safety in civil engineering. Traditional techniques often involve manual or mechanical compaction, leading to inconsistent results and labor-intensive processes. 

This research proposes the development of pre-compacted blocks using natural and recycled materials to address these challenges. These blocks promise easier handling, uniform compaction, and reduced labor, while also promoting environmental sustainability by repurposing waste materials. 

The project aligns with Victoria University’s Research and Impact Plan, aiming to revolutionize filling practices and establish industry partnerships. Experimental facilities at VU’s Geomechanics Laboratory and the Australian National Fabrication Facility will support this work. 

The outcomes will enhance construction efficiency, shorten project timelines, and contribute to sustainable practices, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By optimizing resource utilization and fostering collaboration, this research will have significant local, national, and international impacts, addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Supervisors: Dr Wasantha Liyanage, Dr Rudi Van Staden

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

This project aims to develop a hybrid membrane to removal chemical of concern in liquid using low grade energy. The membrane consists of a dense pervaporation layer functionalised by metal organic frame (MOF) and a loose hydrophobic layer isolating the waste liquid from the permeate.

The driving force for the separation is vapour pressure difference being generated by sweeping gas, vacuum, and/or temperature difference, which can be easily achieved by utilising solar energy. By incorporating MOF into the membrane, the dense layer could selectively reject the targeted components in the liquid phase or allow them to pass.  

Our preliminary tests have shown that the membrane presents more than 90% rejection to ammonia and surfactant-like contaminants. However, only limited tests were conducted. More research is required to optimise the structure of the membrane and select MOF based on the targeted components. 

Supervisors: Dr Jianhua Zhang, Professor Stephen Gray

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: [email protected]  

Aluminium Composite Materials (ACM) that are generally used for cladding in façade systems became severely implicated following the Grenfell Tower fire, in London, in June 2017. 

It is believed that the polymeric component of ACM panels, i.e. its non-fire-retardant polyethylene-based core, has contributed to the rapid fire spread outside the tower. Combustion of these panels from high rise buildings, owing to a cladding fire, exposes a foamed insulating material, which most often is even more flammable than the cladding, and thus makes these multi-storey buildings fire unsafe. 

Therefore, currently there is an urgent need to develop, on a commercial scale, alternative polymeric composites with improved flame resistance, and those that can serve as the fire safe alternatives to current components of façade and insulation materials.

Supervisors: Dr Paul Joseph, Associate Professor Shobha Muthukumaran, Associate Professor Malindu Sandanayake

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: [email protected]  

The research area is important for people or organizations that need to improve the functional criteria in so-called buildings. The purpose of the research is evaluating the impact of functional efficiency to determine the compatible strategy for adaptive reuse in reused historic residential buildings in Melbourne. 

The research team has detailed goals in different stages. This includes:

• deciding on the type of intervention
• setting a preventive-compatible framework for preservation organisations
• organising the design approach according to the case study area
• using 3D laser scanning after finishing the rehabilitation process to archive the last modification of intervention
• designing an application with the data obtaining from research framework in order to commercialise the model for preservation organisations. 

Supervisors: Professor Zora Vrcelj, Dr Mengbi Li

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

This project explores the capabilities of in-service and pre-service teachers to provide LGBTQI+ inclusive education amidst rising governmental oversight and societal intolerance. In an era marked by a resurgence of conservative policies and an increasingly polarised social climate, educators face significant challenges in fostering inclusive environments for all students. 

The study aims to assess the preparedness, resources, and support available to teachers to implement LGBTQ+ inclusive curricula and practices effectively. Through 100 national surveys, 20 interviews with preservice teachers, and 10 classroom observations with in service teachers, the research will identify the barriers educators encounter, including legislative restrictions, lack of training, and community resistance. It will also highlight innovative strategies and best practices developed by teachers to navigate these challenges. 

The project's ultimate goal is to inform policy recommendations, ITE programs, and support educational research to enhance the inclusivity of educational settings, ensuring that all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, receive a respectful and affirming learning experience.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Mark Vicars, Dr Janine Arantes

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact: Janine Arantes, [email protected]

VU Early Childhood Education has a research focus on play, the ethics of play, and play in urban places. This project on risk and safety identifies and analyses how risk is perceived and understood in different contexts. it explores how these understandings of risk, hazard and safety in Early Childhood contexts shape the way we think about children and communities, and consequently influence policy. 

As a society, our ideas of risk are often uncritically accepted, yet influence the development of playgrounds and public spaces and children's and families' opportunities to access experiences. This project provides a close analysis of what shapes our views of risk, and a deep analysis of what risk is and how it impacts children's growth and development.

Supervisors:  Professor Mary-Rose McLaren, Professor Valerie Margrain

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Professor Mary-Rose McLaren, [email protected]

Data sharing is becoming a driving force for many businesses in industrial sectors and government organisations. However, in practice, the wide application of data sharing has caused huge concerns of privacy breaches, which could lead to severe financial, reputation and legal consequences. 

This project aims to develop a Federate Learning system that can preserve user privacy in a heterogeneous way while maintaining maximal utility of the published data. The outcomes of the project will greatly advance the research frontiers of privacy preservation and data analytics, and help industries and government agencies enhance their business efficiency, reduce costs, increase revenue and identify new business opportunities.

Supervisors:  Professor Hua Wang, Dr Yongfeng Ge, Dr Jiao Yin

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For more information, please contact:  Professor Hua Wang, [email protected]

Families play a significant role in maintaining resident well-being within the aged care residential sector, being primary carers prior to the resident entering the facility and playing an important role as carer after the person has move into aged care (Baurer et al., 2014). Several studies have examined the well-being, mental health, and quality of life of families challenged by the transition to residential care (Afram et al., 2015; Jacobson et al., 2015; Sury et al., 2013), yet no known studies have explored the experiences of trauma encountered by families after this transition period. 

This project explores the stressors and trauma experienced by family and staff in two high-care aged-care facilities in the western suburbs of Melbourne. The research will investigate barriers and enablers associated with traumatic experiences and their impact on wellbeing for family members and staff who care for residents in aged care.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Marcelle Cacciattolo, Dr Susan Irvine

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Marcelle Cacciattolo, [email protected]  

Project Heraeth focuses on critically analysing the emotional, cultural, and psychological impacts of technologies in educational contexts.

This research aims to understand how emergent technologies reshapes human experiences and interactions, particularly in learning environments.

Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in education, AI ethics, and social sciences to explore the nuanced effects of AI on teaching practices, student autonomy, and the broader cultural dynamics of education.

We are seeking collaborators interested in developing socially responsible AI toolkits (not the tools) and policies that enhance human-centered education while mitigating potential risks.

Supervisors: Dr Janine Arantes, Associate Professor Mark Vicars.

Eligibility: Open to Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, and international applicants.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]