Program Overview

Overview of the PhD Program at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) offers a PhD program that provides students with the opportunity to undertake research in the disciplines of precision nanomedicine, nanoengineered materials, and advanced biomanufacturing. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become leading researchers in their field.

Research Areas

The AIBN has a strong focus on research in the following areas:

• Precision nanomedicine
• Nanoengineered materials
• Advanced biomanufacturing

Precision Nanomedicine

The AIBN is renowned for its expertise in the field of personalized medicine, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment available to students. Research groups in this area include:

• Rowan Group: Bringing physics, material, and bio-sciences together to understand cell behavior and extracellular environments.
• Ngo Group: Investigating the causes and consequences of metabolic dysfunction in motor neuron disease (MND).
• O'Mara Group: Researching at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics, and computer science.
• Wolfram Group: Developing new strategies for the treatment of disease using nanomedicine.
• Thurecht Group: Focusing on the development of polymer and nanoparticle-based devices for nanomedicine.
• Trau Group: Undertaking research in the field of nanomedicine.
• Vegh Group: Developing medical imaging methods to further research in neurological diseases and disorders.
• Mobli Group: Applying structural biology techniques to generate solutions in drug discovery and development.

Advanced Biomanufacturing

The AIBN is at the forefront of biotechnology, with a proven track record of research in this space. Research groups in this area include:

• Cheetham Group: Developing next-generation RNA vaccines and therapeutics.
• Mercer Group: Undertaking research in the field of biomanufacturing.
• Harmer Group: Focusing on the development of new biomanufacturing technologies.

Nanoengineered Materials

The AIBN has some of the brightest minds in the industry, backed by state-of-the-art equipment, working on the development of nanoengineered materials. Research groups in this area include:

• Luo Group: Focused on the development of functional materials for electrochemical energy storage applications.
• Blakey Group: Understanding the relationships between the structure of polymeric/hybrid materials and their performance.
• Whittaker Group: Using polymer synthetic methods to develop technology for healthcare and modern society.
• Monteiro Group: Designing and synthesizing complex polymer architectures.
• Yu Group: Developing novel nanoporous and nano-materials for biotechnology, clean energy, and environmental protection.
• Yamauchi Group: Understanding the fundamentals of polymers to create complex, custom polymer architectures.
• Bernhardt Group: Undertaking theoretical and computational molecular science research.
• Zhang Group: Advancing (fluoro)polymer chemistry and its societal impact.

Application Process

To apply for a PhD at the AIBN, students must follow these steps:

1. Meet the entry requirements: Students must have completed some research experience, an approved university degree in their field of research, and meet the English language requirements.
2. Find a supervisor: Students must identify a researcher with relevant expertise and contact them to get agreement to support their PhD and project.
3. Gather documents: Students must prepare and submit all necessary documents, including their application, transcripts, and references.
4. Apply online: Students must submit their application online, and their application can only be assessed once their referees have responded and all outstanding documents have been received.

Domestic and International Students

The AIBN welcomes both domestic and international students to apply for the PhD program.

• Domestic students are defined as citizens of Australia or New Zealand, Australian permanent residents, or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.
• International students are defined as intending to study on a student visa, not citizens of Australia or New Zealand, not Australian permanent residents, or temporary residents of Australia.

Financial Packages and Support

The AIBN offers various scholarships to support students throughout their studies. These scholarships can help with financial support, tuition, accommodation, mentoring, and industry experience. Students are encouraged to check the scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

The AIBN provides answers to frequently asked questions, including information on research quarters, cut-off dates, and support for PhD applications.

Student Information

The AIBN provides various resources and support for students, including information on research groups, PhD opportunities, scholarships, and student success stories.

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