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ARC Industry Fellowship PhD Scholarships

There are two ARC Industry Fellowship PhD scholarships available.

Project 1: Conversion of Agricultural Biowaste Into High-Value Biofertilisers and Soil Amendment Products

This project aims to transform agricultural waste and mushroom substrates into sustainable-release biofertilisers and soil amendment products using advanced cellulose–nanoclay technologies.

This PhD project focuses on converting crop residues, sugarcane bagasse, woodchips and compost into cost-effective biofertilisers and soil products. Using sustainable-release cellulose–nanoclay composites, the project will enhance nutrient utilisation, soil structure, water retention and pH stability, supporting crop growth and reducing waste to landfill. The candidate will advance circular-economy innovation and work closely with industry partners

Project 2: Sustainable Substrate Innovation for Mushroom Growth and Yield Improvement

This project aims to develop advanced, sustainable-release mushroom substrates using agricultural waste and nanomaterials to enhance exotic mushroom growth, productivity, and nutrient efficiency.

This PhD project will develop next-generation growth substrates for exotic mushrooms by integrating agricultural waste with engineered cellulose–nanoclay composites. The research will investigate nutrient release, water retention, pH stability, and cropping-cycle performance to significantly enhance mushroom yield and substrate quality. Working closely with industry, the candidate will contribute to transforming waste into high-value products and advancing sustainable mushroom production

Student status:

Project 1

  • First-class Honours or Master’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, materials science, agronomy, soil science, or related fields.
  • Experience in nanomaterials, soil testing, plant nutrient analysis, biofertilisers, composting, or agricultural systems is beneficial but not essential.
  • Strong interest in sustainable agriculture and biowaste valorisation.
  • Application Process Strong motivation for laboratory and field-based research.

Applicants must meet Charles Sturt University's standard eligibility requirements for entry to a PhD.

Project 2

  • First-class Honours or Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, biotechnology, agriculture, biological sciences, or related fields.
  • Experience in any of the following is desirable but not required: nanomaterials, sustainable materials, fungi/mushroom cultivation, soil/substrate analysis, microscopy/analytical techniques, plant or microbial biology.
  • Strong motivation for laboratory and field-based research.

Applicants must meet Charles Sturt University's standard eligibility requirements for entry to a PhD.

Stipend: Both Project 1 and Project 2 scholarships are valued at $35,000 per annum for a period of three years full-time study, payable in fortnightly instalments.

Tuition Fees: Fee exemption for a period equivalent to three years (six sessions) for PhD at full-time study.

Operating Funds: Scholarship candidates will be provided with funds by the project on a needs basis from project funds.

The scholarship is tenable for three years for Research Doctorate studies subject to satisfactory progress.

Scholarship candidates are entitled to 20 paid annual leave working days per year and 10 paid sick leave days per year and may be eligible for up to 12 weeks paid primary carer parental leave.

How to apply

Prospective applicants are asked to contact A/Prof Li Li before submitting a formal application.The candidate needs to discuss the proposal with A/Prof Li Li to ensure that the topic is aligned with the ARC project.

Suitable applicants will then need to apply for enrolment. When given the option to apply for a scholarship select Yes > Full-time AGRTP > Other > Enter ‘ARC Industry Fellowship PhD Scholarship’.

Application timelines

Applications will remain open until successful candidates have been selected.

Contact

A/Prof Li Li

Email: lili@csu.edu.au