Key facts
About this scholarship
Benefits:
The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.
This Project aims to integrate novel automated disease surveillance technology into real-time management of crop diseases for improved yield and sustainability outcomes. The expected outcome is grower recommendations for crop diseases informed by real-time automated disease surveillance. The potential benefit is improved productivity and sustainability through reduced crop losses and chemical inputs.
Number offered:
One
About the project:
The successful candidate will be located at CSIRO Black Mountain (ACT) with industry engagement and internship to be located at Bioscout Pty Ltd in Marrickville NSW as well as access and supervision at The University of New England (UNE).
The supervision team will include:
- Dr Toni Petronaitis - The University of New England (UNE)
- Susan Sprague - CSIRO Agricaulture and Food Business Unit
- Michelle Demers - BioScout Pty Ltd
The Program includes:
- Admission to The University of New England (UNE) PhD program.
- Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
- A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum (2025 rate) funded by CSIRO.
- A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
- A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
- A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Fortnightly instalments
Scholarship Special Conditions:
The ideal candidate will require the following:
- BSc (Hons) or MSc in relevant discipline (e.g. Plant Pathology, Plant Science or Agriculture)
- Excellent writing and communication skills, willingness to collaborate
- Good problem-solving skills and interest in applied pest management, digital technologies and sustainable agricultural practices
Experience with statistics/programming (e.g. Python or R skills) is highly desirable.
Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the University of New England (UNE) in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following core and scholarship specific eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen. |
| New or Continuing | New |
| Study Mode | Online or On Campus |
| Study Load | Full Time preferred (Part Time may be considered) |
| Course type | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree/School/Discipline | School of Environmental and Rural Science |
1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
2. Meet The University of New England (UNE) PhD admission requirements.
3. Have not previously completed a PhD.
4. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
5. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
6. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.
Before you apply
Before you apply for this scholarship, please ensure you have read and understood the below important information:
Important documentation
Please ensure that you include a Research Precis with your EOI and have read and understood the above Higher Degree Research Eligibility Criteria
