CSIRO's Industry PhD (iPhD) program brings together an industry partner, a university and Australia’s leading science agency, CSIRO, to co-develop a four-year industry-focused PhD project. The program supports a three-way partnership aiming to train new researchers in critical areas and facilitate long-term beneficial interaction between universities, CSIRO, and industry. It is a part of an Australian Government initiative to better translate university research into commercial outcomes. Under this program, PhD students will gain unique skills to focus on impact-driven research.

This Project aims to develop a predictive machine learning model, leveraging existing literature and data from controlled experiments. The model will consider multiple photosynthesis parameters to predict microalgae growth. It will offer specific design criteria and constraints, facilitating innovative, intensified designs using generative design techniques for scaling up photobioreactors. These intensified designs will be compared to conventional ones using multiphase flow models, providing a reliable and efficient approach to designing photobioreactors with reduced trial-and-error efforts while increasing confidence in their performance. By optimising microalgae-based CCU, the project will foster greener industries, and support Australian industries in maintaining market relevance and stewardship in sustainable practices.

• Current Students
• Future Students

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen

• Merit Based

Duration: Up to 4 years

Student scholarship: $45000 ($33000 provided by the Government – as per 2023 rate + top up $12000 provided by the industry partner)

1

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Biochemical Engineering or other relevant degree

To be eligible, PhD students must:

• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian Permanent Resident
• Meet university PhD admission and English language requirements
• Not have previously completed a PhD
• Not be in receipt of another primary scholarship
• Be able to commence the program in the year of the offer
• Enrol as a full-time PhD student. However, part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy
• Be situated at the agreed project location (Curtin University in this case)

Future student, please contact us via the EOI form. The EOI form supports the submission of the CV, academic transcripts, research experience, publication outputs and referees.

When enrolled, PhD students must:

• Maintain satisfactory progress in all PhD academic requirements of Curtin university (Confirmation of Candidature, Research Progress Reviews, and HDR milestones)
• Participate in the career and professional development training delivered by CSIRO
• Undertake an Industry Engagement component with the industry partner
• Seek approval for Personal Leave longer than that outlined in the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017 from Curtin university, CSIRO, and the industry partner.

Dr Milinkumar Shah

Email: milinkumar.shah@curtin.edu.au

https://staffportal.curtin.edu.au/staff/profile/view/milin-shah-4b579da4/

Additional details for PhD students are outlined in the CSIRO Industry PhD Program’s Scholarship Terms and Conditions available at https://www.csiro.au/en/careers/scholarships-student-opportunities/postgraduate-programs-and-scholarships/industry-phd.