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Current Scholarships

The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development currently has the following scholarships available for application -

Event Based Imaging for Space Situation Awareness


Scholarship code: 2019-027

Domestic Applicants Only

About the project


The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development (opens in a new window) studies the scientific bases of human communication. Situated on four campuses, MARCS research on brain, behaviour and development encompasses such areas as how we learn language and handle foreign accents, how to program robots for human interaction, how we can enhance communication with infants, those with hearing impairments, and the elderly, and how music and dance communicate universally. We apply our work to advanced technology, biomedical engineering, and improving physical and mental health by designing electronics inspired by neural systems, building better biomedical devices, analysing heightened performance in the creative arts, and addressing impaired performance in developmental delay and sensory deficit.
MARCS in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Network (opens in a new window) invites applications from highly motivated graduates seeking to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to work with Professor André van Schaik on a project that aims to explore, investigate, and better understand the potential of a novel class of imaging devices known as event-based sensors to the fields of space situational awareness (SSA) and related aerospace applications. The main research question the study aims to answer is “What are the practical and theoretical performance bounds on event-based imaging for SSA?” Additionally, the project aims to answer “How to optimally process event-based data for SSA?”


What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by MARCS.
  • Access to the extensive range of MARCS specialised equipment and laboratory facilities.
  • Additional funding to support training and equipment purchases.
  • A rich environment of support and academic expertise via supervisory panels, seminars, colloquia, international and industry collaborations.


Eligibility criteria


We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to the area of event based imaging. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in event-based sensors applied to the fields of space situational awareness (SSA) and related aerospace applications.

The successful applicant:

  • must be an Australian citizen.
  • must hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • should have demonstrated research experience in neuromorphic engineering or related fields.
  • should have a background in signal processing with strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, and C++, and an interest in signal processing in biology. Demonstrated expertise using Verilog or VHDL or FPGA programming is beneficial but not essential.
  • should be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.


How to apply


1. Contact Doctor Greg Cohen (g.cohen@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.
2. Review the research scholarships frequently asked questions. (opens in a new window)
3. Submit an online application for admission. (opens in a new window)
4. Complete the project scholarship application form (PDF, 89.74 KB). (opens in a new window)
5. Compile your CV, contact information for two referees and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.
6. Submit your scholarship application form and any supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School as follows:

  • Use the email subject line: Application_2019_027_MARCS
  • Submit to grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au
  • All attached documents must be submitted as PDF.
  • In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.

Applicants who do not submit an online application for admission will not be considered.


Incomplete applications, or applications that do not conform to the above requirements, will not be considered.


Please contact the Graduate Research School via email at grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au for more information.

Trust in Human-Machine Interaction

Scholarship code: 2019-020

Domestic Applicants Only

About the project

The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development (opens in a new window) studies the scientific bases of human communication. Situated on four campuses, MARCS research on brain, behaviour and development encompasses such areas as how we learn language and handle foreign accents, how to program robots for human interaction, how we can enhance communication with infants, those with hearing impairments, and the elderly, and how music and dance communicate universally. We apply our work to advanced technology, biomedical engineering, and improving physical and mental health by designing electronics inspired by neural systems, building better biomedical devices, analysing heightened performance in the creative arts, and addressing impaired performance in developmental delay and sensory deficit.

MARCS in collaboration with the Defence Innovation Network (opens in a new window) invites applications from highly motivated graduates seeking to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to work with Dr Chris Stanton on a project titled, ‘Trust in Human Autonomy Teaming’.  As engineers develop new autonomous systems with increasingly important responsibilities, such as performing surgery and piloting vehicles, trust is an important issue for both automated and autonomous systems. The objective of the research is to understand the psychological processes related to trust during human-autonomy teaming (HAT), to facilitate best practice design of human-machine interfaces (HMI).

What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by MARCS.
  • Access to the extensive range of MARCS specialised equipment and laboratory facilities.
  • Additional funding to support training and equipment purchases.
  • A rich environment of support and academic expertise via supervisory panels, seminars, colloquia, international and industry collaborations.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in the area of human-machine interfaces (HMI). In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in human-autonomy teaming (HAT).

The successful applicant:

  • must be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian Permanent resident.
  • must hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • should have demonstrated research experience (including research publications) in fields related to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and/or Psychology.
  • should have software development skills.

Ideally, the successful applicant should have (not essential) experience conducting research with human participants.

How to apply

1. Contact Doctor Chris Stanton (c.stanton@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.

2. Review the research scholarships frequently asked questions. (opens in a new window)

3. Submit an online application for admission. (opens in a new window)

4. Complete the project scholarship application form (PDF, 89.74 KB). (opens in a new window)

5. Compile your CV, contact information for two referees and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.

6. Submit your scholarship application form and any supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School as follows:

  • Use the email subject line: Application_2019_020_MARCS
  • Submit to grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au
  • All attached documents must be submitted as PDF.
  • In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.

Applicants who do not submit an online application for admission will not be considered.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

Please contact the Graduate Research School via email at grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au for more information.

Event Based Imaging for Space Situation Awareness

Scholarship code: 2019-048

Domestic and International Applicants

About the project

The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development (opens in a new window) studies the scientific bases of human communication. Situated on four campuses, MARCS research on brain, behaviour and development encompasses such areas as how we learn language and handle foreign accents, how to program robots for human interaction, how we can enhance communication with infants, those with hearing impairments, and the elderly, and how music and dance communicate universally. We apply our work to advanced technology, biomedical engineering, and improving physical and mental health by designing electronics inspired by neural systems, building better biomedical devices, analysing heightened performance in the creative arts, and addressing impaired performance in developmental delay and sensory deficit.

MARCS invites applications from highly motivated graduates seeking to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to work with Dr Gregory Cohen on a project that aims to explore, investigate, and better understand the potential of a novel class of imaging devices known as event-based sensors to the fields of space situational awareness (SSA) and related aerospace applications. The main research question the study aims to answer is “What are the practical and theoretical performance bounds on event-based imaging for SSA?” Additionally, the project aims to answer “How to optimally process event-based data for SSA?”

What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
  • International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $30,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record will be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
  • All international candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) policy covering the duration of their studies in Australia, and  MARCS will cover the cost of this insurance (single policy only).
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by MARCS.
  • Access to the extensive range of MARCS specialised equipment and laboratory facilities.
  • Additional funding to support training and equipment purchases.
  • A rich environment of support and academic expertise via supervisory panels, seminars, colloquia, international and industry collaborations.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to the area of event based imaging. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in event-based sensors applied to the fields of space situational awareness (SSA) and related aerospace applications.

The successful applicant should:

  • hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Masters degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
  • have demonstrated research experience in neuromorphic engineering or related fields.
  • have a background in signal processing with strong programming skills in Matlab, Python, and C++, and an interest in signal processing in biology. Demonstrated expertise using Verilog or VHDL for FPGA programming is beneficial.
  • be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

How to apply

1. Contact Doctor Greg Cohen (g.cohen@westernsydney.edu.au) to discuss your eligibility, the project requirements and your intention to apply.

2. Review the research scholarships frequently asked questions.(opens in new window)

3. Submit an online application for admission.(opens in new window)

4. Complete the project scholarship application form (PDF, 89.74 KB).(opens in new window)

5. Compile your CV, contact information for two referees and a one-page proposal stating how your research interests align with the project aims.

6. Submit your scholarship application form and any supporting documentation to the Graduate Research School as follows:

  • Use the email subject line: Application_2019_048_MARCS
  • Submit to grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au
  • All attached documents must be submitted as PDF.
  • In the body of your email, include your full name, your student ID (if you are a current or previous Western Sydney University student) and the full title of the scholarship.

Applicants who do not submit an online application for admission will not be considered.

Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.

Please contact the Graduate Research School via email at grs.scholarships@westernsydney.edu.au for more information.