Herbal pharmacology research for type 1 diabetes

NICM Health Research Institute

Lead Researcher: Dr Phoebe Zhou

About the project

The NICM Health Research Institute (NICM) is offering a research scholarship for a motivated PhD student to join a lively team studying new natural treatments to help with type 1 diabetes (T1D) care. This project is supported by the Blackmore Family Foundation and Western Sydney University Graduate Research School.

The project aims to develop herbal immunotherapies based on scientific evidence. It uses plant chemicals to help protect the pancreas from the autoimmune damage that causes T1D. The student will study how different plant compounds work together to support the immune system and protect pancreatic cells.

Using herbal pharmacology methods, like high-throughput screening, drug effect analysis, and advanced animal models including zebrafish, the student will create new combination therapies to help prevent or manage T1D.

The project also includes working with T1D patients and communities to learn how they use and feel about natural treatments. This will help build a herbal product library linked to research and practical use. The student will gain skills in lab work, survey design, data analysis, and science communication.

NICM is part of Western Sydney University and a leader in integrative and complementary medicine research in Australia. With a top research rating, NICM is known worldwide for its work in herbal pharmacology, integrative medicine, and health innovation.

What does the scholarship provide?

• Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $33,512AUD) 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 School/Institute.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome Australian domestics applicants from a range of backgrounds who are keen to apply their skills to addressing the immune and metabolic challenges in T1D. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in pharmacology, immunology, medicinal plant research, or complementary medicine.

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.
• demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to pharmacology, immunology, or biomedical science.
• have an interest in natural products and their potential applications in autoimmune and metabolic disorders.
• be willing to learn both laboratory and data analysis techniques, including cell-based assays, AI machine learning, and/or preclinical models.
• be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.

How to apply

1. Review the project’s eligibility criteria. You will need to provide in your application a document which explains how you satisfy the projects eligibility criteria.
2. Contact the lead researcher listed to discuss your eligibility, the project’s requirements and your intention to apply. You should email them to introduce yourself, describe your qualifications and experience, and express your interest in their research project. If they are interested, you may want to arrange a phone call, video call or meeting to discuss your application. You will need to request a letter of support from the lead researcher to support your application for the scholarship.
3. Submit an online application for the project by logging into the Online Portal and selecting 'Project Scholarship'. Note: You do not need to submit an application for Doctor of Philosophy or Research Scholarship.

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

For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher;
Dr Phoebe Zhou: P.Zhou@westernsydney.edu.au

For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:

• Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
• Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here

You may also find answers to your questions by visiting our Higher Degree Research (HDR) Knowledge Directory.

Applications close 31 August 2025

*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_124_NICM