The CSIRO Industry PhD (iPhD) Program is a nationally coordinated initiative designed to strengthen research translation and industry engagement across Australia’s innovation system.
The program supports the development of high quality, industry focused doctoral research projects through structured collaboration between universities, CSIRO, and external industry partners.
The iPhD Program provides a framework for the co design, supervision, and delivery of doctoral research projects that address identified industry challenges. Candidates undertake a four year PhD program that integrates academic research training with industry aligned project work and professional development delivered by CSIRO.
The program aims to:
- Facilitate the development of research projects that deliver measurable benefit to industry and the broader community.
- Strengthen collaboration between universities, CSIRO, and industry partners through shared project design and supervision.
- Enhance candidate capability in research translation, innovation, and industry engagement.
- Support the development of a workforce equipped with advanced research skills and industry relevant experience.
Benefits for candidates
Participation in the iPhD Program provides candidates with:
- A co designed research project aligned with industry priorities.
- Supervision from a multidisciplinary team comprising university, CSIRO, and industry experts.
- A four year scholarship package, including a top up and project support funding.
- Access to CSIRO’s structured professional development program focused on innovation, commercialisation, and industry engagement.
- Opportunities to undertake research activities across university, CSIRO, and industry settings.
Benefits for industry partners
Industry partners participating in the iPhD Program gain:
- Access to research expertise from both the university and CSIRO.
- The opportunity to shape a research project that addresses strategic organisational needs.
- Engagement with a dedicated PhD candidate developing specialised capability in the partner’s field.
- Strengthened pathways for ongoing collaboration and innovation.
- Participation in a nationally recognised program supporting research translation and workforce development.
Expressions of interest from industry organisations
Expressions of interest are welcomed from industry organisations seeking to collaborate on research projects with applied impact, for consideration in the CSIRO iPHD rounds. The Graduate Research School provides dedicated support to our industry partners applying to the CSIRO iPhD Program.
Prospective HDR candidates
Visit HDR Scholarships to explore current opportunities, including UniSC CSIRO iPhD vacancies as they become available.