Deakin University Next-Generation Bushfire-Resilient Composite Walls PhD Scholarship 2026

This project will include understanding the influence of material, geometry and joining parameters on wall system performance.

Your key responsibilities:

• Develop a fundamental understanding of how to design the panel to meet lateral loading (for example, wind loading), fire ratings for safety, and sound dampening limits.  
• Design panels that must also be easily assembled, disassembled, reconfigured, and re-used depending on customers’ needs.
• Perform full-scale experimental testing using design-of-experiments approaches
• Build high-fidelity finite element models with appropriate constitutive laws
• Create a holistic optimisation framework using response-surface and numerical methods
• Directly inform manufacturing decisions and commercial product development

Why this project is unique:

• Industry-embedded research with immediate real-world impact
• Part of a multi-million-dollar Cooperative Research Centres Projects collaboration with over 15 researchers and engineers
• Access to cutting-edge facilities in advanced sheet-metal forming and foam-concrete development
• Opportunity to contribute to bushfire-resilient, modular and reusable construction solutions
• Publish, present, and help shape next-generation structural products in Australia.

Background information

Are you ready to help transform the future of modular, fire-resistant construction in Australia?

We are offering a fully-funded PhD position to develop a new generation of lightweight, high-performance composite wall systems for real-world deployment. Australia urgently needs low-cost, rapidly deployable and bushfire-resilient housing solutions. Our industry partner, Speedpanel, is a leader in roll-formed steel wall systems, and is now pioneering a breakthrough panel design combining a thin-walled steel shell with an advanced lightweight concrete foam core. This PhD will play a central role in bringing this innovation to market.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorDeakin University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyDeakin University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This scholarship is available over three years and offers:

• a stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate)

For international students, the awardee will also receive:

• tuition fees offset for the duration of four years
• single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Requirements

To be eligible you must:

• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• enrol full time
• hold an honour's degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include applicants with a background in civil/structural engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, or related fields, with interest in:

• structural testing
• numerical modelling
• optimisation and design
• sustainable/innovative construction systems

Motivated graduates ready to collaborate with both academia and industry are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kndly visit Deakin University scholarship webpage.