There are a number of scholarship options available to students that are based on academic ability. Students are encouraged to explore funding options at an early stage.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR)
Internal scholarships
The University of Queensland (UQ) offers a variety of scholarships to international and domestic students. For further information, visit the UQ Graduate School website.
External scholarships
A number of external parties offer scholarships such as the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Cancer Council Queensland. Other external scholarship can also be found at Nature, and PhdSeek.
PhD scholarships to support Category 1 project grants
These scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Government to provide assistance for living costs to domestic students during completion of a PhD. Scholarships are offered for projects which are aligned with recently awarded Category 1 project grants. Work with leading researchers, and learn to conduct research independently and think critically, while contributing to large projects of national significance.
Scholarship value: Living allowance of $27,082 (2018 rate), indexed annually. Tuition fees do not apply.
Closing date: As these scholarships are offered in responsive mode, there is no closing date.
Commencement: Enrolment in the PhD program is in research quarters and commencement in a research quarter is fixed to a specific period. Recipients of these scholarships may commence in any research quarter.
View details of available projects below.
|
Chief Investigator |
Grant type |
Project title |
Project description |
Preferred educational background |
|
NHMRC Project |
Innate immune signalling in Mycobacterium tuberculosisinfection |
This project investigates the functions of a new innate immune receptor in the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection using a range of molecular, cell biological, biochemical and immunological approaches. |
Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics. |
|
|
NHMRC Project |
Enhancing host defence mechanisms in severe bacterial infections |
New options to treat bacterial infections are needed because of the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. One very attractive strategy is to boost the body’s own defence mechanisms against bacteria. Using molecular, cell biological and in vivo techniques, this project defines host cell molecular mechanisms that can be manipulated to better control bacterial infections. Research area: Health* |
Immunology, Microbiology, Cell biology | |
|
NHMRC Project |
HLA-G/H2-Bl is Critical for Regulating Inflammation in the Liver | The key factor to induction of liver fibrosis, progression to cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma is inflammation. Liver transplant and liver regeneration following liver resection are also dramatically impaired by elevation of inflammation. We have identified a potent anti-inflammatory protein, HLA-G, that is critical for regulating post-surgical inflammation in the liver. We will determine if HLA-G can reverse and/or block liver fibrosis and modify HLA-G for improved clinical potential. | Molecular Biology, animal handling and surgery, immunology. | |
|
NHMRC Project |
Visualisation and early prediction of ROS-mediated treatment response in liver cancer by a novel nanoplatform | Change of tumour microenvironment has potential to serve as an early predictor of drug efficacy. This proposed project aims to develop a new technology to accurately measure tumour microenvironment during treatment, and to explore the correlation between this potential predicator and tumour growth. This technology would significantly improve the patient prognosis by revealing non-response to chemotherapeutics early and allowing the timely administration of alternative therapies. | Biomedicine and Biological Science /pharmacology | |
| ARC DECRA | Defining the biology of vascular stem cells for tissue regeneration | This project aims to understand the fundamental biology of vascular stem cells by defining their in vivo niche and molecular identity. Further, this project will delineate the important role vascular stem cells play in regenerating the circulatory system and their potential use as a cell therapy in treating cardiovascular disease. | The ideal candidate will have a BSc (Hons), with courses in biomedical science, animal handling, cell/molecular biology and cardiovascular anatomy | |
| NHMRC Project | Development and application of a Mendelian randomization framework aimed at dissecting the biological basis of complex disease | The aim of this project is to identify genes and molecular biomarkers (i.e. gene expression and gene methylation) that causally affect risk of complex disease using a combination of genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization approaches. | Epidemiology, Statistics, Genetics, Psychology | |
| NHMRC Project | Using Methods in Genetic Epidemiology to Elucidate the Relationship Between Viral Infection and Risk of Autoimmune Disease | Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's natural defense mechanisms attack healthy tissues by mistake. It has long been thought that viral infections might play a role in triggering autoimmune disease. This project aims to find genes that influence the body's response to viral infection and subsequently whether the same genes are involved in autoimmune disease pathology. | Epidemiology, Statistics, Genetics, Psychology | |
| ARC DECRA | Development of bioinformatics methods and applications aimed at dissecting the basis of complex traits and diseases | The aim of this project is to develop bioinformatics methods that integrate genotypic, DNA methylation and gene expression data to investigate the role of genomic imprinting on complex traits and disease. | Bioinformatics, Software engineering, Genetics, Statistics, Epidemiology |
Honours
In 2018, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute will be offering Honours Scholarships for new or continuing students enrolled in an Honours program at The University of Queensland for the 2018 Academic year (students enrolled mid-year in 2017 will also be considered).
The primary objectives for Honours Scholarships are to:
- Encourage students of high academic ability to take the first step in their career path as a biomedical translational researcher.
- To build research capacity in high priority areas related to biomedical translational research.
Value
- Diamantina Institute Honours Scholarships: 3 at $3,250 each
- Otto and Joan Hirschfeld Memorial Honours Scholarship in Immunology: 1 at $6000
Duration: scholarship awards will be paid fortnightly over the duration of enrolment in 2018.
Application Deadline: 5pm, 13th March 2018
Honours Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and personal attributes such as leadership and creativity.
The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI) is a modern research facility where clinical and basic science are used to study diseases such as cancer, immune disorders, chronic diseases and infection. The Institute has a vibrant community of over 300 researchers, students and support staff. We have delivered global, world-changing discoveries to humanity, such as the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine.
Based at the Translational Research Institute beside the Princess Alexandra Hospital, UQDI has strong clinical interactions and world-class facilities that enable researchers to be at the forefront of their fields. UQDI's position within the TRI allows for a much greater collaborative research environment, allowing our researchers to focus their efforts on turning their scientific discoveries into better treatments for diseases including a variety of cancers, osteoporosis, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute focuses on bringing the discoveries of basic science to the patient. Over recent decades, the gap between the laboratory and medicine has widened as science has become increasingly complex. The UQDI therefore aims to translate the greatest opportunities for research discoveries into the cause, mechanism, prevention and treatment of major disease.
UQDI Key Research Themes
- Blood Cancer
- Skin and Skin Cancer
- Immunotherapy
- Immunity and Inflammation
- Genomic Medicine
Eligibility
- You must have completed or expect to complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
- Your Grade Point Average is greater than 5.0 out of 7, or equivalent
- You must be enrolled through any enrolling school or Faculty at The University of Queensland
- You must have a staff member of UQDI supporting your application as your Principal Supervisor
- The majority of the project must be undertaken at UQDI
- You must not hold any other Honours Scholarships
Retention
- Recipients must maintain full-time enrolment.
Deferrals
- This scholarship cannot be deferred.
Application Process
- To apply, please email to di.undergrad@uq.edu.au the following documents:
- Cover letter highlighting previous research experience and interests, stating career aims and ambitions. Please also specify if you would like to be considered for the Otto and Joan Hirschfeld Memorial Honours Scholarship in Immunology.
- Curriculum Vitae
- A supporting statement from the project Supervisor
- Certified copy of Academic Transcript (UQ students may attach a pdf of their studies report, which will be verified by UQDI); original documents will not be returned.
- All fully completed applications must be received by UQDI Undergraduate Administration before the closing date (5pm, Tuesday 13th March 2018). Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Assessment of Applications
Applications will be reviewed by the UQDI Research Training Committee and ranked based on the information provided within the application. The ranked list will be forwarded to the Director of the Institute for review. Assessment of applicants will be based on:
- Academic success including prior academic record, prizes and awards
- Prior research experience including presentations and publications
- Involvement in academic and non-academic leadership roles
Scholarships will be announced at the 2018 Honours afternoon tea on 27th March at 3pm in the Level 7 Staff Lounge at the TRI.
For further information, please contact UQDI Undergraduate Administration on (07) 3443 7018 or email di.undergrad@uq.edu.au.