Student Aplications for 2025 Round 1 close on 19 February
We provide hands-on experience in an industry setting, giving you the ability to apply theory and skills to thrive in a practical research environment
Benefits:
-
An industry placement working in a team on a defined project
-
A scholarship package (subject to university approval and eligibility)
-
Weekly mentoring tailored to project and team specifics
-
Weekly training in Biodesign methodology & professional skills
-
A flexible participation mode (in-person, remote or combination)
-
Connections with industry & potential employment opportunities
Am I Eligible?
It is a requirement to be enrolled as a PhD candidate at one of the following universities:
-
The University of Western Australia
-
Curtin University
-
Edith Cowan University
-
Murdoch University
-
The University of Notre Dame Australia
-
Macquarie University
-
CQUniversity Australia
-
University of Wollongong Australia
-
Western Sydney University
All disciplines are welcome to apply.
All applications are individually assessed and eligibility is dependent on each university's individual criteria. Approval from your principal supervisor and Graduate Research School is also required to ensure specific candidature requirements are met and placement participation will not negatively impact your thesis progression.
Your PhD enrolment status, candidature stage and host university will determine whether you are able to participate in either a 3 month or 7 week industry placement. Click on the button below for further details.
Are Scholarships Provided?
Scholarships will vary depending on placement length (see below). If you are in receipt of an existing university scholarship, please check with your university coordinator for the conditions around scholarships and extensions at your institution.
How Does It Work?
-
Check the general eligibility criteria
-
Check your availability for the industry placement, compulsory inductions and final presentation event
-
Get approval from your principal supervisor & Graduate Research area
-
View available industry projects
-
Submit your online application
For more information, please refer to our process diagram
FAQ
If I am not eligible to participate, what should I do?
Subscribe to our mailing list and social media channels to stay informed about program updates, events, available projects and industry placement release dates so when your eligibility status changes, you can apply.
What if my experience is not in the advertised disciplines?
We strongly encourage all disciplines to apply. A multidisciplinary approach leads to more creative and higher impact research. Your knowledge may be standard for your discipline but novel in other fields. Applying your skills in a new area can give you a leading advantage and a unique angle to solving problems.
Can I participate remotely?
Absolutely. We offer in-person, remote or combined modes of participation for both students and industry partners. Online collaborative tools and training are provided.
How is the Biodesign and soft skill training delivered?
During your industry placement, you are expected to attend weekly lectures on Biodesign methodology and soft skill development. All lectures are delivered virtually. You will also receive individual team mentoring sessions to assist with achieving the project deliverables.
I am a domestic student receiving a university scholarship, am I still eligible for the stipend?
You are not eligible to receive a stipend. However, applications can be made for an extension of scholarship at the end of the thesis scholarship period, subject to university approval.
Can I participate more than once?
Yes, providing you still meet the eligibility criteria and the Graduate Research School of your university supports your application.
Do I have to participate full-time?
Full-time participation is preferred, however part-time applications may be negotiated depending on industry project requirements and university approval.
Can I pick my preferred industry project?
We encourage you to specify your preferences on the application form and we make every effort to honour them.
Do all projects involve group work?
Generally, most projects will involve group work. However, industry mentors are solely responsible for scoping the project. For instance, a mentor may wish to assign two members to work together on a task, leaving the third member to work independently.
What is expected from me?
-
Participation at program induction events
-
Participation at the online weekly training sessions
-
Submission of final deliverables to your industry partner at the conclusion of placement
-
Submission of program evaluation documentation to the iPREP Biodesign coordinator
-
Delivery of a public presentation at the final presentation event
Can I expect a job offer at the end of the placement?
No. There is no obligation for the industry partner to offer employment during or after the placement.
I have submitted an application, what are the next steps?
-
Your application is assessed to ensure the eligibility criteria are met
-
If successful, you will be invited to a Stage 1 Induction event to prepare you for a Pitch Presentation event where you will be expected to present a one minute pitch to the industry partners
-
Your application will be forwarded to the participating industry partners for shortlisting
-
You will attend the Pitch Presentation event, to give your one minute pitch and meet the industry partners
-
Industry partners will refine their team selections and may contact you for further questioning
-
You will be notified if successful in gaining a position in a student team
-
If successful, you will be expected to make contact with your industry partner to receive your project scope and workplace inductions
-
Finally, you will attend a Stage 2 Induction event to further prepare you for your placement
For more information, please refer to our process diagram