Applications are now open for the latest round of the National Industry PhD Program, aimed at strengthening Australia’s research and innovation capabilities.
The program offers PhD candidates, industry and universities the opportunity to work together on industry-focused research projects that strengthen Australia’s research and innovation capability.
The program supports PhD candidates to develop the skills needed to translate university research into services and products. It also provides candidates with valuable experience across industry and university settings, helping to build a workforce equipped to drive Australia’s future innovation.
The program consists of two streams:
- Industry Linked PhD stream: For outstanding PhD candidates to undertake research projects co-designed by university and industry, with opportunities to be embedded with an industry setting and participate in a training program.
- Industry Researcher PhD stream: For highly capable industry professionals who are supported by their employers to undertake PhD projects in partnership with a university while retaining industry employment and salary benefits.
Under the program, PhD student at the University of Sydney, Alex Athanaspoulos, is working with biotech company Xylo Biotech to develop a pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine addiction.
“The National Industry PhD Program has given me the opportunity to meet all these wonderful people and gain a lot of insight that I just didn’t think was possible in a PhD,” Alex said.
“I now have preclinical experience, which is a field I want to continue working in. But also, this newfound clinical understanding, which is important as a preclinical researcher because at the end of the day, we’re making drugs to help people.
“Having access to all this knowledge is amazing and it wouldn’t have been possible without the program.”
To date, $56 million has been invested in 343 projects, which will support 357 PhD candidates.
Applications need to be submitted by an Australian university. To find out how you can participate, complete the short Expression of Interest form or email industryphd@campusplus.com.au.
Applications for Round 7 close on 20 March 2026.
To find out more about how to apply, visit: National Industry PhD Program.