Person-centred assistive technology for people living with dementia

MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development

Lead Researcher: Prof Celia Harris

About the project

The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development is offering a research scholarship to a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on a project examining the priorities, values, preferences, and experiences of people living with dementia regarding the development on new assistive technology. This project will be conducted as part of a Dual Award Agreement between Western Sydney University and the University of Hertfordshire in London. Co-supervision of the project will be between the MARCS Age Lab and Human Technologies groups at WSU (A/Prof Celia Harris, and Prof Paul Breen) and Prof Kathryn Almack at the Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care at UH.  As part of the Dual Award Agreement the PhD candidate will spend time at both Institutions.

This project will centre the lived experience of people with dementia and their care partners to ensure that technology development meets everyday needs and promotes quality of life, prioritising autonomy, empowerment, and social connection. The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour, and Development is a research institute within Western Sydney University. MARCS is a vibrant and interdisciplinary research institute with the vision to optimise human interaction across the lifespan. The project will be based at MARCS with the opportunity to work on additional projects within the MARCS AgeLab and the Human Technologies research groups, as well as to develop international collaborations via the Dual Award and co-supervision arrangments with the University of Hertfordshire.

What does the scholarship provide?

  • Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $32,192 (AUD) 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 $32,192 (AUD) 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. [and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance (Single Policy).]
  • Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by School/Institute.
  • Support for one return airfare and travel expenses, excluding accommodation, to travel from Sydney to London for student to conduct research/ candidature at the University of Hertfordshire

[International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.]

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to understand how novel technology can be developed and adapted to meet the needs of people living with dementia, employing quantitative and qualitative methods to understand user needs, preferences, and outcomes. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in cognitive ageing, human-machine interaction, and mixed methods research.

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 cognitive psychology and psychology research methods.
  • have an understanding of the importance of supporting person-centred research and aged care, and of ethically engaging with research participants including older people.
  • be willing to learn experimental methodologies and data analysis techniques required
  • be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
  • Demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to cognitive psychology or human-machine interaction, and human subjects research methods.

How to apply

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship(opens in a new window) page.

  • Note: You do not need to complete 'Step 5: Submit an online application for admission' when applying for this scholarship. You must complete 'Step 6: Submit an online application for a project 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  Prof Celia Harris: Celia.Harris@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

Applications close 31 May 2024

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

Scholarship reference code: PS2024_061_MARCS