Twenty of Queensland’s brightest researchers will further their studies–and the Smart State vision–after winning scholarships worth a total of more than $340 000.
The Smart State PhD Scholarships winners will work in Queensland universities on a number of innovative research projects that will result in social, economic and health benefits for Queensland.
Their thesis topics range from reducing the incidence of mosquito-borne viruses and diagnosing the likelihood of individuals developing skin cancer, to producing wheat resistant to the serious crown rot disease.
Other research projects include the development of a system to control the orientation and rotation of a satellite, using nanotechnology to create optical circuits that are much faster than electrical circuits, and reducing viruses in our locally-produced prawns and crayfish.
Each researcher receives up to $21 000 to give them the financial support they need to focus on their research efforts, and a bonus payment of $1500 if they complete their thesis within 3.5 years.
The Smart State PhD Scholarships program is designed to support the state’s best and brightest students, and highlight Queensland as the place to pursue PhD research. It helps to ensure promising researchers are attracted to and retained in Queensland, and is helping to build a critical mass of research capability in the Smart State.
The program is part of the government’s $12 million Innovation Skills Fund.
Last reviewed 15 March 2006