PhD Scholarship in Hydrogen Ecosystem – Australia

Catalysis, Clean Energy, Energy Conversion, Energy Materials, Energy Storage, Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Research, Sustainable Energy
Australia
30 September 2026
Fixed Term Full Time Fully Funded PhD PhD Opportunity PhD position Research

Job Description

Organization: RMIT University

School: School of Science

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Position: PhD Scholarship in Hydrogen Ecosystem

Project Overview

RMIT University is offering two PhD scholarships for research on the design and synthesis of functional materials for the green hydrogen ecosystem, including applications related to hydrogen production and utilisation.

The research will focus on developing advanced functional materials with properties relevant to the emerging hydrogen economy. The project sits within RMIT’s broader research activities in renewable energy, advanced materials, catalysis, energy conversion and energy storage.

The scholarship provides an opportunity to undertake doctoral research at the intersection of materials science, chemistry and nanotechnology, with the potential to investigate functional materials for different stages of the green hydrogen ecosystem.

Research Areas

Potential research directions may include the development, synthesis and characterisation of functional materials relevant to:

  • Green hydrogen production.
  • Hydrogen-related energy conversion technologies.
  • Functional catalytic materials.
  • Nanostructured materials.
  • Advanced materials for energy applications.
  • Materials optimisation and performance evaluation.

The specific research direction will depend on the project and supervisory arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct doctoral research into functional materials for the green hydrogen ecosystem.
  • Design and synthesise advanced materials with targeted chemical and physical properties.
  • Characterise material structure, composition and functional properties.
  • Investigate the relationship between material structure and performance in hydrogen-related applications.
  • Analyse experimental results and develop an understanding of relevant material mechanisms.
  • Contribute to scientific publications and research presentations.
  • Work collaboratively within RMIT’s research environment and with relevant research collaborators.
  • Progress a doctoral research project under academic supervision.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

  • A First Class Honours degree or Master’s degree.
  • An academic background relevant to the proposed research.

Preferred Background

Candidates with a background in one or more of the following areas are particularly relevant to the project:

  • Materials Science.
  • Chemistry.
  • Nanotechnology.

Experience in functional materials, catalysis, energy conversion, hydrogen technologies or related research may also be relevant.

Research Environment

The project is supervised by Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma in RMIT’s School of Science.

Professor Ma’s research covers the rational design, synthesis and characterisation of nanostructured materials, with applications in energy and environmental technologies. His research interests include photocatalytic, electrocatalytic, thermocatalytic and piezocatalytic materials, hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, water splitting, batteries and supercapacitors.

RMIT’s broader research portfolio also includes projects involving renewable energy conversion and storage, functional materials, catalysis, batteries and supercapacitors.

Scholarship Details

  • Scholarship: PhD Scholarship in Hydrogen Ecosystem.
  • Number available: Two scholarships.
  • Value: $34,841.
  • Duration: Not specified on the scholarship page.
  • Opening: Open now.
  • Closing date: 31 December 2027.
  • Degree: PhD.
  • Location: RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.

The scholarship page does not specify whether the stated $34,841 is an annual stipend, nor does it state a tuition-fee waiver or exact scholarship duration. These details should therefore be confirmed with RMIT before publication as part of the funding package.

Application Requirements

Applicants should send their CV/details directly to the supervisor:

Professor Tianyi Ma
RMIT University
School of Science
Email: [email protected]

The scholarship page specifically instructs applicants to send their CV details to the supervisor.

Application Deadline

31 December 2027

Supervisor

Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma

Professor Ma is a Distinguished Professor in RMIT’s School of Science and Research Director of the Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing. RMIT states that he is open to supervising Masters Research and PhD students.

External Link

Official scholarship page:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/scholarships/research/phd-scholarship-in-hydrogen-ecosystem

Location

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