Professor Alan Rowan
Rowan Group
Bringing physics material- and bio- sciences together to understand cell behaviour, extracellular environments.
A/Professor Shyuan Ngo
Ngo Group
The causes and consequences of metabolic dysfunction in motor neuron disease (MND).
What we offer
The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) is a haven for PhD students seeking to undertake research in the disciplines of personalised medicine, nanoengineered materials and biotechnology.
Access world-class facilities that are at the cutting edge of biological, chemical and physical sciences and see your potential grow.
Learn from some of the world's most successful scientists. We have 5 ARC Laureate Fellows, 2 NHMRC Leadership Fellows, 9 NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellows, and 10 ARC DECRA Fellows, among many others.
We pride ourselves on:
Creating global connections for our PhD students with leading industry partners, placing you in the best possible position for a job
Identifying, and pursuing, ground-breaking research that has real-world impact
Designing world-first technology in partnership with our students
World-class, leading facilities right here in the building
In partnership with our PhD students, we are creating novel biofuels, world-first magnetic PFAS removal methods, and next-generation biomedical sensors, among so many other world-leading discoveries.
We are one of the largest institutes of our kind globally, and are proud to call The University of Queensland home, which is ranked 43 in the world.
Students will also feel right at home, with a range of inclusive social events regularly hosted by the AIBN Students' Association (ASA) which provides a community, and support network, for students at the AIBN.
Who has availability?
The AIBN is renowned for it's expertise in the field of personalised medicine, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at your fingertips.
Professor Megan O'Mara
O'Mara Group
Research at the interface of chemistry, biology, physics and computer science.
A/Professor Joy Wolfram
Wolfram Group
Nanomedicine on the development of new strategies for the treatment of disease.
Professor Kristofer Thurecht
Thurecht Group
The development of polymer and nanoparticle-based devices for nanomedicine.
Professor Matt Trau
Trau Group
Nanotechnology that will transform disease detection and personalised treatment.
A/Professor Viktor Vegh
Vegh Group
Research, development of medical imaging methods to further research in neurological diseases and disorders.
Professor Mehdi Mobli
Mobli Group
Development and application of structural biology techniques to generate solutions in drug discovery, development.
We are rapidly moving towards a more sustainable world; will you join us? We are at the forefront of biotechnology, with a proven track record of research in this space.
A/Professor Jeffrey Harmer
Harmer Group
In vivo EPR imaging and spectroscopy studying the role of free radicals in ageing and age-related diseases.
Why stop at mediocre? Here at the AIBN we are constantly improving the standard, thanks to some of the brightest minds in the industry, backed by some of the best equipment on the market.
Dr Bin Luo
Luo Group
Focused on the development of functional materials for electrochemical energy storage applications.
A/ Professor Idriss Blakey
Blakey Group
Understanding the relationships between the structure of polymeric/hybrid materials and their performance.
Professor Andrew Whittaker
Whittaker Group
Using polymer synthetic methods to develop technology for health care and our modern society.
Professor Michael Monteiro
Monteiro Group
Designer polymers, synthesis of complex polymer architectures.
Professor Chengzhong (Michael) Yu
Yu Group
Novel nanoporous and nano-materials for: biotechnology, clean energy, environmental protection.
Professor Yusuke Yamauchi
Yamauchi Group
Understanding the fundamentals of polymers to create complex, custom polymer architectures.
Professor Debra Bernhardt
Bernhardt Group
Theoretical and computational molecular science: nonequilibrium systems, fluids, and materials.
How to apply
The pathway to a PhD can be daunting or confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Please read the how-to guide under the heading most relevant to you. If you still have questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section.
You're an international student if you are:
- intending to study on a student visa,
- not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
- not an Australian permanent resident, or
- a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.
In order to progress forward with a PhD at the AIBN as an international student, you will need to do the following:
Financial packages and support
Looking for a scholarship?You might be surprised by how many scholarships you can apply for throughout your studies.
Scholarships can help with financial support, tuition, accommodation, mentoring and industry experience.
Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.
Travel and IT support
PhD students are eligible for an IT support package to purchase a desktop or laptop computer package here at the AIBN.
Students are also eligible for funding to support participation and travel to scientific conferences or workshops.
- Domestic travel: up to $1,000
- International travel: up to $3,000
At the time of application, students needs to be enrolled in a PhD through AIBN. They must also achieve the following:
- Students must have completed their confirmation of candidature
- Enrolment must still be active at the time of the travel
- Students must demonstrate an attendance record of at least 50% for seminars (minimum 20 per year and at least 10 from the AIBN Seminar Series) from 14 April 2022
Are you a current student? Learn more here.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any other questions, please contact our dedicated HDR team.
Examples of success from AIBN PhD students
When are the research quarters, and their cut-off dates, so I can apply?
I need support with my PhD application, where do I go?
I'd like to see a full list of scholarships (domestic and international)
I want to learn more about scholarships at UQ
What are the cut-off dates for UQ graduate school scholarships?
What is a higher degree by research (HDR)?
How do I apply for a PhD, MPhil or professional doctorate?
Do I need to have a supervisor before submitting my PhD application?
"My PhD at the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology focuses on white matter disease; specifically an ultra-rare inherited neuro degenerative condition known as Hypomyelination with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and leg spasticity. My goal is to understand this disease and the application of how it can be extended to other diseases in white matter."
- Bahaa Al-mhanawi, Entrepreneurial PhD Scholar
"My PhD project focuses on using bacteria that consume waste gases to produce biofuels. The AIBN has provided me the tools to develop research skills to work towards solutions to real-life problems in a multidisciplinary, multicultural, and supportive environment. Having the opportunity to undertake a PhD here also allowed me to meet passionate researchers on their field’s forefront, increasing my curiosity and helping me shape my career interests."
- Karen Rodriguez Martinez, PhD student
Contact us
If you have general enquiries about studying at AIBN please contact our HDR team
