Schau dir auf Instagram das Interview von Michaela mit Prof. Carolin Plewa (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Researcher Education and Dean of Graduate Studies) an.
With more than 4000 research staff and students working together, University of Adelaide generates outcomes that makes our world better. From more sustainable food production to a healthier climate. From improved health and wellbeing to cleaner energy sources. From our own backyard to the farthest shores.
As a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia's most research-intensive institutions, the University is a destination of choice for highly talented researchers, students, government and industry partners.
Outstanding research universities share some common characteristics. They respond to emerging global and national priorities, they have access to high-quality facilities and they are surrounded by highly talented researchers and higher degree students. From excellent international rankings (which see us placed in the top 1% of universities worldwide), through to research income success, great people and structure make us outstanding.
Watch the university video
The time you invest in a PhD at the University of Adelaide is an investment in yourself and your future. It will accelerate your personal development, professional capabilities and career opportunities in ways no other experience can.
Key Research Areas
- Agriculture, Food and Wine
- Defence, Space and Cyber
- Health and Biotech
- Energy and Sustainability
Top Research Centres
- Waite Research Institute
- Australian Institute for Machine Learning
- Robinson Research Institute
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute (SAIGENCI) and Environment Institute
Top 5 Research Achievements
- The UofA's AI technology, based on computer vision and machine learning, is a leader in the world for space application such as space junk pose estimation. The work also includes developing robotic manipulation technology to acquire space debris once located.
- The UofA leads research into a new plasma-based, space-ready process for the production of agriculture fertiliser. The process will help space travellers to grow their own food.
- The largest study into meningococcal B vaccination and herd immunity conducted by UofA has global importance for vaccination programs and policy.
- The UofA is developing new tools and strategies to help grape growers and winemakers avoid, or mitigate smoke taint which is highly relevant due to the increased risk of bushfires expected to increase with climate change.
- The UofA has lead collaborative efforts with the Kaurna Australian Aboriginal people to successfully revive their language. The Kaurna language - unheard for nearly 160 years - is now back in daily use.
Numbers
- Over 50 Research Centres
- About 2300 Research Students
- About 2000 Research Staff/Supervising academics
Funding
- The GOstralia! Research Centre in cooperation with University of Adelaide award exclusive PhD full tution fee scholarships open to all faculties. More information
- More funding information and application deadline available here.
Interviews
My PhD journey: Nathan Jones
Weitere PhD Candidate Stories findest du hier.
Research Projects
ADL Projects
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/07/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor) |
Application Deadline: | 30/06/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline) |
Supervisor Name: | Dr Colette Langos, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | This project will require comparative jurisprudential research to be conducted across German speaking countries (may include Germany, Australia and/or Switzerland) and Australia in an area of public procurement law woefully under researched to date–Sustainable Procurement in a Defence context. This project will consider existing law and policy measures implemented by relevant Ministry of Defence/ Department of Defence (of the relevant nations) with a view to develop mutual best practices for domestic defence procurements and when cooperating on major defence projects. The ultimate goal is to posit recommended pathways for reform in this area for a sustainable future. Dr Langos is the leading Australian scholar in this area. Dr Langos is fluent in German. |
Funding Information: | University of Adelaide awards exclusive Scholarships for applicants applying through the GOstralia! Reseach Centre. Find more information here. |
Special Requirements: | - |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/01/2026 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/06/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Dr. Jared Dmello, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | The LGBTQ+ community across the world is under attack - both from state actors, who seek to weaponise legislation and practice to target this community, and non-state actors, ranging from individuals to terrorist organisations. This project seeks to disentangle the role of these campaigns against the LGBTQ+ community from one another, while also assessing the broader impact of this violence on the global queer community and society at large. |
Funding Information: | University of Adelaide awards exclusive Scholarships for applicants applying through the GOstralia! Reseach Centre. Find more information here. |
Special Requirements: | - |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Technology |
Project Start Date: | 01.07.2025 (start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor) |
Application Deadline: | 30.07.2025 (students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline) |
Supervisor Name: | A/Professor Danny Wilson; [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace, Adelaide |
Project Description: | Apicomplexan parasites of humans and livestock, including malaria, survive by infecting and reproducing in host-cells. To enable host-cell entry, these parasites evolved sets of unique and shared proteins whose functions remain unknown. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this project will define cross-species protein function of malaria proteins required for early and late stages of host-cell entry. Leveraging a substantial international network of research partners, outcomes of benefit to Australia include establishing a lead role in understanding the protein network driving different stages of malaria host-cell entry, characterisation of potential therapeutic targets and advancing imaging techniques applicable to other cellular systems. |
Funding Information: | The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. The project is funded through multi-year Australian Research Council (ARC) (Future Fellowship, Discovery Project) and NHMRC (Ideas) grants |
Special Requirements: | Experience in some of (not all required) molecular biology, proteomics, fluorescence imaging and/or gene-editing techniques with a demonstrated interest in cell biology, parasitology and/or microbiology. (Specific technique training will also be provided). The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
Additional Information: | This project is in collaboration with Professor Tim Gilberger, the Bernhard Nocht Institute and Centre for Structural and Systems Biology, Hamburg. This project will build off this close collaboration, facilitating research and exchange opportunities between Australia and Germany, while being based in Australia. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/09/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/09/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Arvid Hoffmann, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | Consumer financial decision-making is an area of growing academic and policy relevance, given the increasing self-responsibility for making consequential financial decisions affecting consumers’ immediate and future financial well-being. Unfortunately, many consumers seem either ill-prepared or unable to take on increased financial responsibility. Consumers’ financial decisions can be better understood by examining their psychological characteristics, such as susceptibility to interpersonal influence, risk aversion, consideration of future consequences, or money attitudes. Accordingly, there is an increasing research tradition in marketing and consumer behaviour looking at how to reduce consumers’ financial vulnerability and improve their financial outcomes and well-being, taking into account their psychological characteristics. |
Funding Information: | The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. |
Special Requirements: | The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/07/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/06/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Dr Colette Langos, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | This project will require comparative jurisprudential research to be conducted across German speaking countries (may include Germany, Australia and/or Switzerland) and Australia to better understand the current law and policy responses implemented in each of the nations. The aim of the project is to identify relevant law and policy frameworks, analyse shortcomings and strengths on effective management of cyberbullying and make recommendations for appropriate reform. Dr Colette Langos is an internationally acclaimed expert in cyberbullying and misuse of technology. Dr Langos is fluent in German. |
Funding Information: | University of Adelaide awards exclusive Scholarships for applicants applying through the GOstralia! Reseach Centre. Find more information here. |
Special Requirements: | - |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/01/2026 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/06/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Dale Stephens, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | Professor Dale Stephens and Professor Matthew Stubbs will be leading a regional effort to develop a Manual detailing the rights and obligations relating to air and maritime navigation rights within the Indo-Pacific region. This project is still subject to funding, but if successful, will involve close consultation with the US Indo-Pacific Command as well as representatives and experts drawn from the Indo-Pacific region. The project has attracted the interest of several Governments and Universities within the region and promises to provide a useful reference for re-enforcing the rules-based order within this critical area of the world. |
Funding Information: | University of Adelaide awards exclusive Scholarships for applicants applying through the GOstralia! Reseach Centre. Find more information here. |
Special Requirements: | - |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/01/2026 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/06/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Dale Stephens, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | Prof Dale Stephens (Drafting Committee & Expert) and Prof Matthew Stubbs (Expert) are participating in the International Institute of Humanitarian Law/International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated update project of this Manual. This is the first update of this famous Manual since 1994 and will involve close engagement on the myriad of legal issues expressed within the Manual. There will be over 60 invited international experts involved in the discussion of existing and new legal issues relating to the articulation of law applicable to Naval Warfare. The project has an anticipated completion date of 2027. A candidate who wishes to undertake a PhD topic on this issue will be able to engage with these two Professors who will be at the cutting edge of legal work associated with this update. |
Funding Information: | University of Adelaide awards exclusive Scholarships for applicants applying through the GOstralia! Reseach Centre. Find more information here. |
Special Requirements: | - |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences |
Project Start Date: | 01/01/2026 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/09/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Toby Coates, [email protected] and Dr Griffith Perkins, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | Adelaide / Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building (AHMS) and the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) |
Project Description: | Applying cutting-edge single-cell spatial transcriptomic technologies to unique transplant cohorts to understand the biology of chronic organ damage and identify novel therapeutic strategies. This is a translational project with an equal division of laboratory science and computation. Applicants may focus on our Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Auto-Transplantation (TPIAT) or allogeneic kidney transplantation programs, depending on their interests. |
Funding Information: | The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. Project is funded by a national research grant from the Medical Research Future Fund. |
Special Requirements: | Clinician scientists and applicants with bioinformatics experience are desirable but not essential. The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
Additional Information: | The Centre for Clinical and Experimental Transplantation (CCET) is a translational research group with expertise in immunology and experimental transplantation from small to large animal models to first-in-human trials. We will also consider collaborative PhD projects between Australian and German groups. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics |
Project Start Date: | 01/09/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor.) |
Application Deadline: | 30/09/2025 (Students interested in this topic can contact the supervisor even after the deadline.) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Arvid Hoffmann, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | Marketing is under increased pressure to show its value relevance in the boardroom of publicly-listed firms. Emerging research has shown how marketing actions translate into financial performance. More recent perspectives on the marketing-finance interface also examine other ways in which there are interactions between product and capital markets and assesses how regulatory changes regarding financial markets impact managerial choices that have marketing implications. |
Funding Information: | The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. |
Special Requirements: | The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Technology |
Project Start Date: | 15/09/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor) |
Application Deadline: | 01/07/2025 (Students interested in this or similar topics can contact the supervisor even after the deadline) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Shizhang Qiao, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace, Adelaide |
Project Description: | This project focuses on developing advanced aqueous Zn–I2 and Zn–Br2 batteries with high energy density, long cycle life, and excellent safety. Key research includes the design of novel electrode materials, formulation of stable electrolytes to suppress side reactions, and in-depth investigation of interfacial chemistry and reaction mechanisms using in situ and operando techniques such as in situ XRD, UV–vis spectroscopy, and synchrotron analysis. The project will also explore scaling up to pouch cells and collaborate with industry partners to accelerate commercialization potential. |
Funding Information: | GOstralia! Research Centre Scholarships |
Additional Information; | Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, or related fields. Prior experience with battery research and in situ characterization will be advantageous. The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences |
Project Start Date: | 02/02/2026 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor) |
Application Deadline: | 01/09/2025 (Students interested in this or similar topics can contact the supervisor even after the deadline) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Peng Bi, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | The PhD candidate will be working collaboratively with the supervision team to generate epidemiological evidence of extreme heat effects on mental health in the Australian working age population and workers by analysing two available national datasets, identifying vulnerable geographic areas, industries/occupations, and projecting future mental health challenges in the Australian occupational settings under different climate change scenarios. Working together with mining, building and farming industries via a questionnaire survey, focus group discussions/interviews and national workshop, we will co-design, co-develop evidence-based adaptive strategies and industry specific code of practice. The research program will make contributions to International Standard Organisation ISO 45007 (WHS risk to climate hazard). |
Funding Information: | GOstralia! Research Centre Scholarships The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. |
Application Information: | The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
University: | University of Adelaide |
Faculty: | Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology |
Project Start Date: | 30/09/2025 (Start dates are flexible and can be discussed with supervisor) |
Application Deadline: | 01/07/2025 (Students interested in this or similar topics can contact the supervisor even after the deadline) |
Supervisor Name: | Professor Chunxia Zhao, [email protected] |
Location (City/Campus): | North Terrace Campus, Adelaide |
Project Description: | CAR T-cell therapy is a powerful cancer treatment that involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognise and eliminate tumour cells. However, conventional manufacturing methods are often costly and time intensive. Our lab has developed an innovative nanoparticle system capable of delivering mRNA encoding CAR proteins directly to T cells, streamlining the process. This PhD project will focus on designing novel nanoparticles for the delivery of additional RNA cargo, including combination RNA, siRNA, or gene-editing components, to further enhance CAR T-cell therapy. The research aims to expand the versatility of this platform, broadening its applications and improving therapeutic outcomes. |
Funding Information: | GOstralia! Research Centre Scholarships The 2025 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship for outstanding applicants has an annual stipend of $35,300 (indexed) for a period of up to 3.5 years of full-time study, tuition fee waiver and allowances. Please see the Postgraduate Research Scholarships Conditions of Award for further information. Scholarship funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) / Australian Research Council (ARC) |
Application Information: | The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at The University of Adelaide involves consideration of your academic credentials and demonstrated research experience. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, including specific GPA requirements and program structure please refer to the relevant Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) Academic Program Rules for higher degree by research qualifications. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their application to be considered. Refer to the AGRS website for requirements. |
Das GOstralia! Research Centre
Wir bieten individuelle Beratung und Bewerbungsdurchführung für alle EU-Staatsangehörigen und auf das Forschungsthema zugeschnitten.
Um die Vorteile dieser attraktiven Forschungslandschaft umfassend und effektiv nutzen zu können, unterstützen wir bei der Suche nach geeigneten PhD-Programmen, wissenschaftlichen Betreuern und passenden Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten. Natürlich helfen wir auch bei der Zusammenstellung der Bewerbungsunterlagen und führen für dich die Bewerbung an der gewünschten Universität kostenfrei durch - sowohl für das PhD-Programm als auch für Forschungsstipendien. Wir haben Deadlines und Besonderheiten im Bewerbungsablauf genau im Blick. Durch unsere direkten Kontakte zu den einzelnen Hochschulen wird der Bewerbungsprozess auch für ein PhD-Programm überschaubar
Du möchtest einen individuellen Beratungstermin?
Kontaktiere gerne unsere Ansprechpartnerinnen des GOstralia! Research Centre.