The successful applicants from Round 7 of the National Industry PhD Program have been announced.
A total of 91 research PhD places have been awarded funding, including 46 Industry Linked and 45 Industry Researcher PhD places.
Round 7 attracted strong interest, with 189 applications assessed across a diverse range of research fields.
PhD candidates will undertake research on priority topics that address industry challenges and opportunities, supporting innovation, strengthening research-industry collaboration, and contributing to a highly skilled workforce capable of delivering real-world impact and commercial outcomes.
Research supported through this round includes:
- Enhancing AI support for financial crime detection and decision‑making in banking through a human‑centred approach;
- Improving access to rural health and aged care through virtual assessment models; and
- Developing lightweight green steel components to make hydrogen fuel cells cheaper and more efficient.
To date, 448 PhD places have been funded across seven rounds of the program.
The Program supports PhD candidates to build experience working with industry partners while developing the skills, networks and expertise needed to pursue careers across research and industry.
Upon completion, candidates will be equipped to work across both research and industry settings, applying their expertise across multiple sectors.
Round 8 of the Program will open on Monday 13 July 2026 and close on Friday 21 August 2026.
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