Neurological Profiles of Autistic Girls

The Project

Recent research into autism among young people has suggested that there are some key sex differences in the way that autism-related behaviours manifest across males and females. Because autism is a neurological condition, the focus of this research project is on the brain wave patterns exhibited by autistic girls, as measured by electroencephalograph (EEG). The project supervisors already have EEG data from a sample of young autistic males, and this project aims to collect similar data from an age-matched sample of autistic girls, using the EEG laboratory in the School of Science and Technology at UNE.

Principal supervisors Professors Vicki Bitsika and Chris Sharpley have published widely in this field and look forward to guiding the project to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified and motivated PhD student.

The Scholarship includes a 90-day Internship with our major industry partner in the Autism Connect Early project so that the student becomes familiar with the everyday management of young autistic people and gains experience in delivery of clinical and educational skills to this population.

The successful candidate should have a valid driver's licence and preferably a background in Psychology, Education, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, or similar discipline.

Scholarship Information

The Research Training Program (RTP) Domestic Scholarship for conducting this research is valued at $36,862 per annum (2025 rate) tax-free and paid in fortnightly installments.

The scholarship is tenable for three years and six months (3.5) full-time for a doctoral degree. The duration of an RTP stipend scholarship cannot be extended.

For more information regarding the Research Training Program (RTP) and the scholarship terms and conditions please visit the following website.

There is also a $10,000 per year top up scholarship funded by the Autism Connect Early Project for three years.

How to Apply

• For new candidates - If you are a new candidate who does not have an offer of admission and is not currently enrolled in Higher Degree Research (HDR), you must apply through the online application portal. After you complete the Expression of Interest (Step 2), if you meet all the requirements, you will be sent an invitation to apply for candidature which will include the link to the application portal where you can complete both your candidature and scholarship application. Please note, the Expression of Interest form may take up to 3 weeks to process so please plan your application timeline accordingly.
• For candidates who are currently enrolled or have an offer of admission - If you are currently enrolled in HDR or have a valid offer of admission and would like to apply for a scholarship, please complete this form. The scholarship application can be submitted online via the future students for those who are not enrolled or via askUNE for those who are currently enrolled in their candidature

For more information on submitting a candidature application please see our web page on how to apply/enrol for candidature

Contact Enquires:

Professor Vicki Bitsika - Vicki.Bitsika@une.edu.au 02 6773 3774

Professor Chris Sharpley - csharpl3@une.edu.au   02 6773 2596