QUEX call for PhD projects - UQ and Exeter researchers

Building upon 8 successful years of PhD studentships, the QUEX Institute is pleased to offer a ninth call for PhD project proposals. 

The QUEX call for PhD projects is now closed.

Please read the guidelines before submitting a proposal. 

The QUEX joint PhD Program aims to recruit the very best doctoral candidates, to work across the University of Exeter and The University of Queensland (UQ).

Building on a platform of active collaboration and academic exchange, we are building capacity and jointly investing in enhancing the opportunities for our researchers to work together.

We are seeking research project proposals from sets of UQ/Exeter researchers who can demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively. Where you are acting as the host supervisor, you should be prepared to support the candidate’s needs in terms of space, computing and general resources.

In 2025, project proposals are being sought in the following research themes:

• Healthy Living – supporting global health and wellbeing
• Global Environmental Futures –  delivering research breakthroughs across diverse environmental challenges
• Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies – addressing challenges and opportunities related to digital change. 
• Mineral Security and Sustainability - addressing global sustainability challenges in the discovery, supply and use of mineral resources

Selection process

In selecting projects to advertise, our primary concerns will be the strength of proposal and the likelihood of attracting the highest calibre of students. With a view to managing the overall shape and impact of the QUEX partnership, we will also consider balance between the four themes, range of supervisory involvement, and the development of new areas of collaboration.

You can contact the relevant QUEX Theme Lead at their home institution to discuss your submission and its alignment with the partnership theme.

Healthy Living leadership team

• Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson - UQ
• Associate Professor Rob Anderson - University of Exeter

Global Environmental Futures leadership team

• Dr Sarit Kaserzon - UQ
• Professor Peter Mumby - UQ
• Dr Ruth Thurstan - University of Exeter

Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies leadership team

• Associate Professor Stephen Viller - UQ
• Professor Achim Brucker - University of Exeter

Mineral Security and Sustainability leadership team

• Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite - UQ
• Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards - University of Exeter