Alberto Elfes Memorial Scholarship Fund (PhD Scholarship)

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will fund a $1.2 million scholarship program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to train the next generation of aspiring Australian roboticists.

The Alberto Elfes Memorial Scholarship Fund will use prize money from CSIRO’s historic podium finish at the 2021 DARPA SubT challenge to sponsor eight scholarships for high-performing students belonging to groups under-represented in the robotics industry.

The scholarship is a testament to the late Professor Alberto Elfes, a revered member of CSIRO’s Robotics program and driving force behind the team's participation in the DARPA SubT Challenge.

The Alberto Elfes Scholarship acknowledges a globally renowned roboticist and the very strong human links built over many years between QUT and CSIRO. The program will continue Alberto’s work of driving diversity in robotics to ensure the successful design and delivery of next generation technology.

CSIRO and QUT will jointly oversee applicant selection, course design, education, and mentorship.

To apply for this scholarship, you must meet the entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at QUT, including any English language requirements for international students.

In addition, this Scholarship has specific eligibility conditions, including:

• the proposed project must be in the field of robotics
• the application must be able to demonstrate that you are from an under represented minority group in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. This may include:
• applicants who identify as female
• applicants who identify as gender diverse
• applicants who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• applicants with a disability, injury or health condition
• applicants from other minority groups where there is a need to increase their representation in robotics and AI
• applicants must be able to demonstrate an outstanding track record, for example first class honours, or high quality research outputs
• applicants must be able to commit to full-time, internal enrolment.