Compositable Materials

By February 25th, 2025

The Opportunity 

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a university PhD program.
  2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum (2025 rate).  
  4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
  5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

The Project

Supervisory team details

  1. University
Name of university supervisorLuke Connal
Name of universityAustralian National University
Email addressluke.connal@anu.edu.au
FacultyScience
  • CSIRO
Name of CSIRO supervisorRanya Simons
Email addressRanya.Simons@csiro.au
CSIRO Business UnitManufacturing
  • Industry
Name of industry supervisorStephanie Alison-Logan
Name of business/organisationSprout materials
Email addressstephanie@sproutmaterials.com
Websitewww.sproutmaterials.com

Project details

Project titleCompostable plastics
Project descriptionThis Project aims to design and develop compostable plastics. The expected outcome is to produce new materials and compositions from sustainable sources to make plastics. This could benefit Australia to find new ways to make plastics that are sustainable and circular
Primary location of studentAustralian National University, ACT
Industry engagement component locationSprout Materials, Stone & Chalk Adelaide Startup Hub, Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Other locationsCSIRO Clayton
Ideal student skillsetChemistry, chemical engineering or related degreeDegree must be a minimum of 4 years with a substantial research project embedded  Previous industry and polymer chemistry experience is desired
Application Close DateOpen until position filled

Eligibility Requirements

 The student must:

  1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.  
  2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
  3. Meet university English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
  8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Application Process

  1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) following the instructions detailed on the participating university’s webpage.
  2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office.
  4. The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply.
  5. The application is then assessed by the host university against PhD admission criteria.
  6. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.  

Further information