Queensland Health/QAEHS Scholarships
QAEHS in collaboration with Queensland Health, is pleased to announce the availability of a domestic scholarship for an innovative research project. This scholarship is designed to support one exceptional student in conducting advanced research that addresses critical health issues. With multiple projects to choose from, applicants can find opportunities that align with their academic interests and professional aspirations. This is an exceptional chance to engage in impactful research, receive financial support, and gain valuable industry experience. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply.
In addition to the standard UQ living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate, indexed annually) and tuition fees, there is also a top up of $5,000 per annum (for 3 years).
Advancing AI tools for hazard detection in portable water sources
Project description
The provision of critical and safe drinking water to Australian communities requires ongoing and accurate monitoring of water supplies for effective decision-making. Current monitoring relies on several analytical methods and large data sets to investigate subsets of potentially hazardous contaminants. New hazard monitoring tools are urgently required to detect a comprehensive range of contaminants such as pesticides or disinfection by-products and respond to contamination events from spills or algal bloom incidents.
This project aims to advance scientific and mathematical discovery by developing a new framework for combining advances in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry contaminants detection and analysis with computational Machine Learning algorithms that will allow for rapid, accurate, and robust identification of chemical threats in drinking water systems, enabling the processing of large and complex datasets.
The project aims to support water authorities, and environmental and health protection regulators nationally and internationally to meet growing water demands. The innovation aims to further contribute to global research and water security, offering a versatile solution that can be expanded for other types of environmental and human monitoring. The candidate will engage with scientists, mathematicians, government and industry partners in an exciting multi-disciplinary project.
Research environment
QAEHS is internationally recognized for research excellence in the environmental sciences. The centre has established state-of-the-art sampling, analysis and archiving facilities located at the Dutton Park Campus. QAEHS maintains 7x LC-MS/MS and 5x GC-MS instruments, with a dedicated trace analytical laboratory and state-of-the-art instrumentation. The student will join a cohort of >30 HDR students researching human and environmental exposure to environmental contaminants.
The student will be given access to a centre-level travel support award scheme supporting participation at international conferences. The student will receive full access to their own computer and workstation. The research is supported through a number of grants and collaborations including a generous research consumable budget.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
Associate supervisor: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of environmental science, analytical chemistry, computer science, and mathematics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
A background or knowledge of analytical chemistry or machine learning tools is highly desirable.
How to Apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon (k.sarit@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: POTABLE-KASERZON
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/advancing-ai-tools-hazard-detection-potable-water-sources-0
Improving adaptive responses to the health impacts of climate change through effective communication
Project description
There is growing recognition of the fundamental threat that climate change poses to human health. Increases in extreme weather and climate events such as storms, extreme heat, floods, droughts and bushfires will affect health both directly and indirectly. International agencies like the World Health Organisation forecast that climate change will be associated with increased risk of morbidity, noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases and health emergencies. Although the impacts of climate change on health is garnering research attention, little is known about the communication of this issue and how the public perceives and responds to it. The current PhD project therefore applies a communication lens to the health impacts of climate change. The PhD project will provide important information that could help to develop community resilience and adaptive responses to the health effects of climate change.
Research environment
This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). QAEHS has student support programs such as scholarship top-up. The PhD student will be situated in an interdisciplinary environment and will have the opportunity to collaborate with students from a range of disciplines.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Professor Kelly Fielding
Associate supervisor: Dr Jagadish Thaker
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of social science quantitative and/or qualitative methods would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of social science including communication, psychology, sociology, or public health and the potential for scholastic success.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026 .
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Kelly Fielding (k.fielding@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: ADAPTIVE-FIELDING
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/improving-adaptive-responses-health-impacts-climate-change-through-effective-communication-0
Climate-resilient cyanotoxins elimination in drinking water treatment
Project description
Freshwater harmful cyanobacteria are a growing concern in the Australian drinking water supply, which is mostly obtained from surface water sources. Global warming and extreme heavy rainfall events increase water temperature and nutrient inputs, increasing the frequency and extent of cyanobacteria blooms. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that, if present in drinking water can expose the population to a range of adverse health effects, including kidney and liver damage. Conventional drinking water treatment plants are able to remove cyanobacteria and low concentrations of cyanotoxins, but higher concentrations require adjustment of the treatment conditions or the introduction of additional treatment steps. This project aims to investigate the presence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins detected in Queensland surface waters and their fate in conventional drinking water treatment processes. In addition, novel and advanced treatment processes will be investigated to improve the efficiency and reliability of cyanotoxin removal in drinking water treatment plants.
Research environment
This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). QAEHS has a particular strength in environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and human exposure risk assessment. QAEHS has student support programs such as scholarship top-up. QAEHS has a newly equipped and well-maintained PC2 laboratory with all the advanced equipment and other resources this project needs. These include 13 state-of-the-art mass spectrometers – five Sciex LC-MS triple quadrupoles (QQQ), two LC-MS QTOFs, a GC-Orbitrap, an HRGC-HRMS and a GC-triple quadrupole, and an NCI-GC-triple quadrupole. ACWEB is one of the top research units worldwide in the field of water and environmental biotechnology. ACWEB has excellent experimental and analytical facilities, including lab- and pilot-scale reactors and advanced analytical and monitoring tools. ACWEB fosters a thriving research environment and provides exciting opportunities for professional development, both academically and with industry.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho
Associate supervisor: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of water chemistry; chemical engineering; biotechnology and the potential for scholastic success.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Gilda Carvalho (g.carvalho@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CYANOTOXINS-CARVALHO
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/climate-resilient-cyanotoxins-elimination-drinking-water-treatment-0
Chemical and pathogen exposure during mass gatherings
Project description
In the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it is important to understand how large gatherings can impact on the population and the environment. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) or wastewater surveillance has been a crucial tool for assessing community-level chemical and pathogen exposure for more than a decade. As sewage (wastewater) contains urine from entire communities, WBE extends urine testing of individuals to whole communities. Large events, such as international sporting competitions, festivals or COVID-19, can lead to changes in human activity and use of various substances, resulting in temporary changes in chemical discharges into wastewater. Moreover, an increase in international visitors can also lead to changes in the pathogens, to which the community is exposed. Monitoring this through WBE helps identify potential health risks so that interventions can be implemented and monitored for their efficacy. The student will establish methods for chemical/pathogen exposures, using samples collected during events.
Research environment
This PhD project is within UQ’s defined strength of environmental science (the top 20 in the world). QAEHS has a particular strength in environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and human exposure risk assessment. QAEHS has student support programs such as scholarship top-up. QAEHS has a newly equipped and well-maintained PC2 laboratory with all the advanced equipment and other resources this project needs. These include 13 state-of-the-art mass spectrometers – five Sciex LC-MS triple quadrupoles (QQQ), two LC-MS QTOFs, a GC-Orbitrap, an HRGC-HRMS and a GC-triple quadrupole, and an NCI-GC-triple quadrupole.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Dr Richard Bade
Associate supervisor: Dr Jake O'Brien
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of wastewater-based epidemiology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of environmental science, analytical chemistry, or forensic chemistry and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of wet chemistry sample preparation techniques and the use of analytical instruments is highly desirable.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Richard Bade (r.bade@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: GATHERINGS-BADE
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/chemical-and-pathogen-exposure-during-mass-gatherings-0
Investigating UV-induced degradation of tattoo ink pigments and identification of transformation products using high-resolution mass spectrometry
Project description
Tattoo inks are complex mixtures of pigments and additives that can undergo chemical transformations when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This PhD project aims to investigate the degradation pathways of various tattoo inks under controlled UV exposure using a UV simulator.
Research environment
The project will begin by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature on tattoo ink pigments. Analytical techniques, such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), will be developed for the separation and identification of a range of tattoo ink pigments and their transformation products. These validated methods will be used to assess the stability of these pigments when exposed to UV light and identify any transformation products formed.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Professor Kevin Thomas
Associate supervisor: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of analytical chemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Kevin Thomas (kevin.thomas@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: TATTOO-THOMAS
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/investigating-uv-induced-degradation-tattoo-ink-pigments-and-identification-transformation-products-using-high-resolution-mass-spectrometry-0
Identification and prioritisation of emerging cyanotoxins using advanced sampling and analytical approaches
Project description
Toxic cyanobacterial blooms pose an increasing risk to drinking water supplies, aquatic ecosystems, and public health in Australia. Current monitoring focuses on a limited number of well-characterised cyanotoxins, while many additional toxins and transformation products remain poorly understood.
This PhD project addresses this gap by developing integrated analytical and sampling approaches to improve the detection and prioritisation of emerging cyanotoxins. You will combine high-resolution mass spectrometry, effect-based bio-assays, and novel passive sampling technologies to identify known and previously uncharacterised cyanotoxins in laboratory cultures and environmental samples.
You will examine changes in toxin profiles during bloom development, senescence, and water treatment processes. Outcomes will directly support improved monitoring strategies, risk assessment, and guideline development for Australian water systems.
Research environment
QAEHS is internationally recognised for research excellence in the environmental sciences. The centre has established state-of-the-art sampling, analysis, and archiving facilities located at UQ's Dutton Park Campus.
QAEHS maintains 7x LC MS/MS and 5x GC-MS instruments, with a dedicated trace analytical laboratory and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
You will join a cohort of >30 HDR students researching human and environmental exposure to environmental contaminants.You will have access to centre-level travel support scheme supporting participation at international conferences. You will receive full access to your own computer and work station.
The research is supported through a number of grants and collaborations, including a generous research consumable budget.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: Dr Rory Verhagen
Associate supervisor: Associate Professor Sarit Kaserzon
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of analytical chemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Rory Verhagen (rory.verhagen@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CYANOTOXINS-VERHAGEN
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/identification-and-prioritisation-emerging-cyanotoxins-using-advanced-sampling-and-analytical-approaches
Developing new methods for measuring the emergence of vaping products in Australia
Project description
You will develop a novel monitoring tool that can assess the prevalence of vaping both nicotine and related substances across Australia to assess the effectiveness of government regulations.
Scholarship
This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.
This scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $37,500 per annum tax free (2026 rate), indexed annually
- a top-up of $5,000 per annum
- tuition fees covered.
Learn more about the Research project scholarship.
Supervisors
Principal supervisor: A/Prof Phong Thai
Associate supervisor: Dr Qiuda Zheng
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history
A working knowledge of analytical chemistry would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
How to apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 14 June, 2026 .
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Phong Thai (p.thai@uq.edu.au).
When you apply
To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI
In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:
- Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
- Project: 'Research project scholarship'
- Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: VAPING-THAI
- Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/developing-new-methods-measuring-emergence-vaping-products-australia