HDR Scholarship: AI for Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Disorder in Elderly: An Exploratory Study at the University of Southern Queensland 2025-26

HDR Scholarship: AI for Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Disorder in Elderly: An Exploratory Study at the University of Southern Queensland 

This project aims to develop AI-based outcome measures using multiple sensing modalities for early detection of neurodegenerative disorders in older adults. It seeks to enable personalised support for those living independently, improving early diagnosis, quality of life, and disease management.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The applicant must have completed an Honours degree (First Class or 2A) or a Master’s with a significant research component, meet university PhD admission and English language requirements, and not have previously completed a PhD.
2. The applicant must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident, enrolled or have applied to UniSQ, able to commence full-time in the year of the offer, and located at the agreed project location(s).
3. The applicant must not be receiving equivalent support exceeding 75% of the stipend rate, not hold another primary scholarship, and part-time enrolment is discouraged unless approved by the supervisory team and university policy.

Selection Criteria: The applicant must have demonstrated experience in programming and system development, expertise in Python programming and data analysis, and experience in developing Machine Learning models, with knowledge of TensorFlow or PyTorch being desirable.

Application Process: 

1. The applicant must have digital copies of their curriculum vitae (including any research presentations or publications), a preliminary research thesis topic proposal (completed with the relevant academic), and education qualifications (testamur and academic transcripts for all undergraduate and postgraduate awards) and the applicant must contact Rajib Rana (rajib.rana@unisaq.edu.au) before applying.
2. The applicant must submit their application via the UniSQ Scholarship Application Management System by the closing date.

Award: A stipend valued at AUD 48,071 for a student commencing in 2026 and a Project Expense and Development Package valued at AUD 13,000.

Deadline: 31st Dec 2025

Note: Maximum period of tenure of an award is 4 years. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree will be deducted from the period of tenure