Future Research Talent Awards - Indonesia
Update: Applications for the 2027 round of the FRT program are now open, and will close on 25 September 2026.
This webpage, including list of research projects available, has been updated and reflects information relevant to the 2027 round of FRT program.
For details, please read below.
The Future Research Talent (FRT) awards are jointly offered by ANU College of Science and Medicine, ANU College of Systems and Society and ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy to staff and students from Indonesia.
The FRT is a competitive and prestigious program that attracts the very best students and staff from high-quality Indonesian institutions and provides them exposure to ANU research in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical research disciplines.
Established for Indonesia in 2020, the FRT program has enabled 56 scholars from Indonesia to undertake research projects at ANU. Most FRT alumni have progressed to PhD programs at top institutions globally and in Indonesia, including several who have returned to ANU to further their research.
The FRT program offers a valuable opportunity for Indonesia’s emerging research talent to form international linkages and develop research skills at one of the world's leading universities (ANU is ranked #29 in the world in QS World University Rankings 2027). It strengthens Australia’s research ecosystem and contributes to Australia’s research capacity and its strategic partnership with Indonesia, building networks that support innovation and knowledge exchange across borders.
The list below reflects Indonesian institutions that have participated in previous FRT rounds; institutional participation is reviewed for each intake cycle in line with program priorities.
The value of each FRT award is A$8,500.
FRT awards provide selected Indonesian staff and students with an opportunity to travel to ANU to pursue collaborative research, for a period of 11-12 weeks, in a range of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical research disciplines.
The amount offered under the FRT program must be utilised to directly support the recipient’s participation in collaborative research at the ANU College of Science and Medicine, ANU College of Systems and Society, and ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy and may be allocated towards costs associated with, but not limited to return airfare, visa (including any associated medical expenses), travel insurance, accommodation, and general living expenses. The management of award funds is the responsibility of the recipient.
Eligibility
Awards are offered under two distinct categories:
- Students: undergraduate and postgraduate students at partner institutions.
- Staff: Academic faculty members at selected universities/institutions and research-focused staff employed at selected government departments.
Collaborating institutions in Indonesia may be invited to nominate candidates for only one or both categories. Details on which category/categories an institute can nominate candidates for will be provided to collaborating institutions directly.
To be eligible for an FRT award, the candidate must:
- be a citizen of Indonesia residing in Indonesia;
- be able to demonstrate a high level of academic ability and research potential;
- be an academic staff member or a student enrolled in a program at a collaborating institution in Indonesia;
- be nominated for award consideration by a collaborating Indonesian institution specified by the ANU College of Science and Medicine, ANU College of Systems and Society, and ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy;
- be seeking to undertake a research project in one of the specific fields of research proposed by the ANU College of Science and Medicine, ANU College of Systems and Society, and ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy; and,
- have not previously received an FRT award from the ANU College of Science and Medicine, ANU College of Systems and Society, and ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy.
In exceptional circumstances, applications from students enrolled at institutions other than the selected partner institutions may be permitted at the discretion of the Dean of either of the three Colleges, at the request of a Research School Director.
Research Projects
The following research projects or areas or groups, arranged under diverse disciplinary areas that they belong to, are available / open to hosting scholars as part of the 2027 FRT program.
Please review the project listings across all disciplinary areas, not just the one matching your primary degree. Many research groups at ANU work at the intersection of multiple fields. We strongly encourage applicants to explore the full list to find projects that best align with their research interests and technical skill sets.
Before exploring the available research projects below, please note the following key symbols used throughout the discipline listings:
Projects marked with #: Are open pen to hosting staff as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Projects marked with ^: Can be extended beyond the standard 12-week FRT program duration, supported with additional funding. Please refer to individual project descriptions for further details.
Projects marked with **: Are exclusively open to staff applicants.
Projects with no symbol: Are for the standard 12-week duration and open to undergraduate and postgraduate students only.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic fields in galaxies. # | Magnetic fields are dynamically important but often ignored component of galaxies. We use numerical simulations and radio observations to determine the strength, scale, and structure of magnetic fields in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. The goal is to determine their impact on star formation and galaxy evolution. | Dr Amit Seta |
| Assessing the Impact of Tully–Fisher Distance Uncertainties on WALLABY Cosmological Measurements # | Investigate how uncertainties and systematic biases in Tully–Fisher distance measurements propagate into peculiar velocity and density field reconstructions for the WALLABY survey. Using realistic mock catalogues, it will quantify reconstruction biases and systematic uncertainties, and assess their impact on cosmological parameter estimation, particularly measurements of the growth rate of structure. | Dr. Amber Hollinger and Prof Matthew Colless |
| Machine Learning-Assisted Tully–Fisher Distance Calibration for WALLABY Peculiar Velocity Reconstruction # | Develop machine learning methods to predict and improve Tully–Fisher distance uncertainties for WALLABY galaxies. Using mock catalogues, ML models will be trained on galaxy properties, to identify the primary sources of distance errors and predict improved uncertainty estimates. The corrected uncertainties will be incorporated into existing peculiar velocity and density field reconstruction pipelines to evaluate their impact on reconstruction accuracy. | Dr. Amber Hollinger and Prof Matthew Colless |
| Computational astrophysics studies in turbulence, magnetic fields, and star/galaxy formation and evolution | We study the statistics of turbulent, magnetised gases, relevant for the structure and evolution of the interstellar medium, the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. We use a combination of supercomputer simulations, theory, analytical calculations, and comparison to observations. | Professor Christoph Federrath |
| Instrument Design and Performance Analysis for the UVESS Small Satellite Mission # | At the Australian National University (ANU), in collaboration with international partners, we are developing UVESS (Ultra Violet Extinction Sky Survey), a small satellite mission concept designed to investigate the composition and spatial variability of the interstellar medium (ISM). By mapping ultraviolet extinction curve slopes and the prominent 2175 Å extinction feature across large regions of the sky, UVESS will provide new insights into the properties, distribution, and evolution of interstellar dust. This project focuses on the design, modelling, and analysis of the UVESS instrument, with an emphasis on developing a flight-ready payload concept capable of meeting the mission’s scientific objectives. Key activities include opto-mechanical design, end-to-end sensitivity and performance analysis, electro-optical modelling, and the evaluation of system-level requirements and trade-offs. Students will also contribute to environmental analyses, including launch vibration assessments, structural verification, and thermal modelling to ensure instrument performance and survivability throughout launch and on-orbit operations. The project provides opportunities to work across the complete instrument development lifecycle, from mission and science requirements through to detailed subsystem design and verification. Areas of work may include optical design, mechanical and thermal engineering, detector and electronics integration, tolerance analysis, performance prediction, and instrument calibration strategies. The scope is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests, with potential focus areas including optical design, opto-mechanical engineering, thermal and structural analysis, instrument modelling, systems engineering, and mission performance assessment. | Dr. Joice Mathew, Dr. Israel Vaughn and Dr. Andrew Battisti |
| Meta-Optical Architectures for Next-Generation Space-Based Sensors # | Emerging optical architectures, such as multi-aperture filtered cameras (MAFCs), combined with advanced meta-optical technologies, offer new capabilities for compact space sensor systems for space. This project will investigate the modelling and design of next-generation optical payloads for space applications. Using spectroscopic, radiometric, and polarimetric modelling, the project will explore how different optical measurements can be used to identify and characterise targets and scenes of interest. A key focus will be the development and evaluation of MAFC-based architectures and the application of meta-optics. The project provides opportunities to gain experience in optical engineering, computational modelling, sensor design, and space instrumentation. | Dr. Israel Vaughn and Dr. Joice Mathew |
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Biological Sciences
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Uncovering Australia's insect diversity # | Developing and applying new methods (imaging, genomics, machine learning) to identify and classify Australia's diverse insect fauna. This project will suit people interested in entomology and biodiversity monitoring. | A/Prof Megan Head and Dr Joshua Coates |
| Engineering synthetic RNA-binding proteins to target specific mitochondrial RNAs in plants. ^ | Our group works with a large family of RNA-binding proteins known as Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins (PPRs). PPRs recognise RNA in sequence specific manner and by changing key amino acids in their RNA binding domains, we can re-target them to bind any RNA of interest. PPRs have important applications in agriculture, particularly in the development of high-yielding hybrid crops. | Dr Joanna Melonek |
| Plant ecophysiology and ecogenomics ^ # | We apply novel approaches in comparative ecology, physiology, biochemistry, and genomics to uncover the processes, at multiple scales, which underly plant resilience, especially for a warming climate. | Prof. Adrienne Nicotra, Pieter Arnold, Dr Diep Ganguly |
| Species distribution and mechanistic niche models for Australian frogs | Scholars will join our team to build species distribution and mechanistic niche models for Australian frogs under current and future climate scenarios. Scholars will gain hands-on skills in R, spatial data analysis, and SDM tools (e.g. MaxEnt) while curating continent-wide occurrence datasets. This work will inform conservation prioritisation by identifying frog species most at risk from climate change. | Dr Sarin Tiatragul, Professor Scott Keogh |
| Bioinformatics: population genomics of Australian arid-zone geckos | A bioinformatics project investigating whether desert geckos' demographic history reflects the landscape they live in. The scholar will analyse whole-genome resequencing data from 125 individuals across 5 species and 4 arid-zone sites, gaining hands-on skills in read alignment, variant calling, and coalescent-based demographic inference (MSMC), revealing how desert landscapes have shaped genetic diversity through time. | Dr. Mitzy Pepper |
| Plant Immunity/Rathjen Group | Roles for fungal rust effectors in plant physiology | Prof John Rathjen Dr Jeny Jose |
| Fungal genomics, evolution, and host adaptation ^ # | Fungi have highly plastic genomes and rapid reproductive cycles, making them fascinating organisms in which to study genome evolution and host adaptation. Within this project you will learn many different bioinformatic tools and at least one programming language e.g. python or R. It also allows for wetlab experience. | Prof. Benjamin Schwessinger |
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program.
Chemistry
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Novel Peptide and Protein-Based Therapeutics ^ | Projects will investigate cutting-edge biocompatible modifications of peptides and proteins to enhance their potential as drug candidates. Research areas will include infectious diseases, with a particular focus on antiviral and antimicrobial agents, as well as the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic (theranostics) strategies targeting cancer. | Prof. Christoph Nitsche |
| Sustainable plastics | This project will be in collaboration with startup company Sprout Materials. It will focus on the development of degradable polyurethane foams and elastomers. | Prof Luke Connal |
| 3d printing electronics ^ | This project will utilise the technology developed by Syenta — a start-up out of the ANU. It will develop new techniques to print flexible electronics. | Prof Luke Connal |
| Next-Generation Atomically Engineered Catalysts for Energy Conversion # | This project will develop next-generation catalysts with precisely engineered atomic structures for sustainable energy conversion. Research may involve single-atom catalysts, single-atom alloys, multimetallic alloys and/or high-entropy materials. The scholar will investigate catalyst synthesis, structural characterisation and catalytic performance for reactions relevant to renewable fuels, green chemicals and low-carbon energy technologies. | Professor Zongyou Yin |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description.
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Computer Science
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Quantified Modal Logics # | We study the structural proof theory of quantified modal logics, with the goal to obtain decidability results for the existence of uniform interpolants. | Prof Dirk Pattinson |
| Context budget aware retrieval: how much should a vector database feed an LLM? | Our group works on data management and query processing for vector databases, i.e., efficient, filter-aware nearest-neighbour search at scale. This project studies how retrieval size affects retrieval-augmented LLMs: as more passages enter the context window, answer quality first improves then degrades. The scholar will characterise this trade-off across query types and, if time permits, predict the optimal retrieval size per query. | Dr Mengxuan Zhang |
| GenAI-Assisted Abstraction for Formal Verification of Concurrent Programs # | Formally verifying properties concurrent programs | Prof Peter Hoefner and Prof Tony Hosking |
| Mechanising Kozen's Completeness Theorem for Kleene Algebra in Isabelle/HOL # | Mechanizing foundational results in Theoretical Computer Science | Prof Peter Hoefner and Dr Liam O'Connor |
| Graph Intelligence Group (GIG) | The Graph Intelligence Group develops AI and algorithmic methods for complex networked systems, with a focus on graph neural networks, graph algorithms and optimisation, graph-based reasoning, and graphs with LLMs. Applications include social network analysis, misinformation and information diffusion, recommendation, and robust decision-making on large-scale graph data. | Dr Ahad N. Zehmakan |
| Verified Compilation of Records in CakeML | Extend verified CakeML compiler to support record types (aka struct-types) | A/Prof Michael Norrish |
| Machine-learning surrogate models for phase-space kinetic equilibrium diagnostics / Fusion Theory and Modelling # | Develop a proof-of-concept machine-learning surrogate to predict reduced kinetic-equilibrium quantities from simple phase-space inputs. Training data will be generated from benchmark charged-particle, guiding-centre, Vlasov, or analytic distribution models. Outputs may include orbit class, pressure/current moments, trapped-passing boundaries, uncertainty estimates, and conservation-error diagnostics, with emphasis on accuracy, constraints and extrapolation. | Prof Matthew Hole |
| Efficient Machine Unlearning for Diffusion Models | Diffusion models can generate highly realistic images but raise concerns about copyright infringement, privacy leakage, and content misuse. This project aims to develop efficient machine unlearning techniques for text-to-image and image-to-image diffusion models, enabling the removal of specific concepts or identities from pre-trained models while preserving generation quality, diversity, and knowledge of unrelated concepts. | Dr Jing Zhang |
| Vicinal Risk Minimisation for Early-Stage Wildfire Smoke Segmentation # | Current AI models struggle to distinguish early-stage, semi-transparent wildfire smoke from clouds. This project applies Vicinal Risk Minimisation (VRM) to statistical learning, generating continuous vicinity distributions around discrete training samples. By smoothing decision boundaries for amorphous structures, VRM mathematically regularizes the model, improving robustness and generalization in early bushfire detection. | Prof. Nick Barnes |
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Cybernetics
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Homeostasis / Applied Cybernetics # ^ | Developing an interactive musical platform that embodies adaptive feedback, self-organisation, and collective dynamics | Dr Sungyeon Hong and Dr Paul Wong |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Earth Sciences
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Critical metals and rare earths ^ # | Assessing of potential source rocks and deposits for rare earth element mineralisation | Dr Michael Anenburg |
| Climate and Fluid Physics | The Climate and Fluid Physics group carries out research on fluid flow problems relevant to Earth, using numerical modelling, theory, and laboratory experiments. We are interested in problems ranging from large-scale ocean circulation to ice melting, from convection to waves and from turbulence to climate dynamics and rainfall. | Dr Callum Shakespeare, Dr Marvin Seow, and other academics in the group. |
| Advanced Computational Modelling of Earth Systems (Computational Tectonics, Earthquake Rupture, Subsurface flow) ^ # | We develop advanced computational tools for the modelling and analysis of Earth systems including plate tectonics, fault rupture, sub-surface flow and geomorphological evolution. The project can be flexible and may include developing computational methods or applications to any geodynamic or geological problem of interest. AI based coding & critical evaluation of tools is a strong component of our group's work. | Prof Louis Moresi, Dr J C Graciosa |
| Investigating the structure and dynamics of Earth's interior with observational seismology | Using seismological methods to constrain seismic anisotropy of the Earth's interior, with the aim of better understanding regional tectonic processes and mantle dynamics | Dr Miriam Gauntlett and Dr Caroline Eakin |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description.
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Epidemiology and Population Health
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating Health Insurance Policy Impacts # | Review of national health insurance policy and participation changes over time in India or Indonesia, conducting a comprehensive literature review of their broader health and socioeconomic impacts, and potential quantitative data analysis to evaluate specific impacts. | Dr Qingyue (Marco) Li and Dr My Tran |
| The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media: A Scoping Review and Content Analysis of Breastfeeding Support, Maternal Confidence and Commercial Influences in Indonesia # | To examine how social media influences breastfeeding experiences and explore the nature of breastfeeding-related content encountered by Indonesian mothers. | Dr Andini Pramono and Assoc Prof Matthew Kelly |
| Multimorbidity Prevention and Digital Health in India # | Building on a successful 2024 Future Research Talent (FRT) placement from the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), this project will investigate the burden, patterns, and determinants of multimorbidity among adults in India using nationally representative datasets, including the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave-1). The project will also systematically examine existing educational, behavioural, and digital health interventions aimed at preventing and managing multimorbidity in low- and middle-income settings. The scholar will contribute to data analysis, evidence synthesis, and development of policy-relevant recommendations to strengthen integrated chronic disease prevention and management strategies in India. The project aligns with our broader India–Southeast Asia multimorbidity research program and complements an ongoing PhD project focused on AI-driven personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions for multimorbid populations. The placement is expected to provide hands-on training in epidemiological analysis, implementation-oriented public health research, scientific writing, and policy translation, with opportunities for manuscript development and future research collaboration. | Dr Haribondhu Sarma |
| Implementation Science # | A scoping review to understand cultural adaptations to existing implementation science theories, models, and frameworks in Asian countries | Dr. Uday Yadav |
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Mathematics
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Algebraic geometry # | Topics in algebraic geometry or related areas (curves, surfaces, algebraic groups, birational geometry, enumerative geometry, moduli spaces, connections with homological algebra, representation theory, or number theory). | Anand Deopurkar |
| Operator algebras and vertex algebras # | Topics related to operator algebras (C* algebras and von Neumann algebras), subfactors, planar algebras, vertex operator algebras, and two-dimensional conformal field theory | Assoc Prof James Tener |
| Symplectic geometry # | Topics related to symplectic geometry, J-holomorphic curves, tropical geometry, kahler, calabi-yau, or G2 manifolds. | Dr Brett Parker |
| Representation theory and related zeta functions # | Topic related to representations of arithmetic groups, p-adic groups, asymptotic group theory and associated zeta functions | Professor Uri Onn |
| Topics in operator theory # | Operator theory studies linear operators on (infinite-dimensional) spaces and their applications throughout modern mathematics and mathematical physics. Possible topics include spectral theory, operator algebras, topological methods in analysis, scattering theory, spectral flow, and mathematical models arising in quantum mechanics. Depending on the student's interests and background, the project may involve studying recent research papers, working through examples, and investigating questions motivated by current research. | Dr Galina Levitina |
| Analysis of PDE and SPDE # | Harmonic, stochastic, and/or functional analysis of PDE and SPDE. The specific project will be tailored to the scholar's experience and interest. | A/Prof. Pierre Portal |
| Topics in Morse Theory # | Morse theory in low-dimensional topology | A/Prof Joan Licata |
| Higher structures in gauge theory | 1+1+1+1 extended TQFT for Atiyah-Donaldson-Floer-Fukaya-YourNameHERE gauge theory | A/Prof Bryan Wang |
| Representation theory # | Possible topics: flag varieties, cluster algebras, total positivity, affine Grassmannian, tropical geometry, Schubert calculus, Riemann surfaces | Dr Ian Le |
| Geometric analysis ^ | Geometric flows of curves, geometric flows of metrics on surfaces, applications of geometric flows in geometry, ancient and soliton solutions to geometric flows | Professor Ben Andrews, Mat Langford |
| Variational Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Inverse Problems in Spatial Weather Data Extrapolation # | This project aims to develop physics-informed neural networks based on weak formulations of PDEs in inverse problems arising in spatial extrapolation of weather data. The goal is to develop methods based on variational approaches in numerical analysis to recover continuous meteorological fields from sparse point observations by embedding physical constraints into neural networks through variational loss functions. | Dr. Diego Marcondes and Prof. Barry Croke |
| Constructing a phase-space multi-water-bag model for kinetic plasma equilibria / Fusion Theory and Modelling # | Explore a phase-space multi-water-bag representation of kinetic plasma distributions, approximating them by constant-density regions whose boundaries evolve under Hamiltonian flow. The project will implement a reduced test model, assess accuracy against particle or grid descriptions, and check conservation of particle number, energy and phase-space incompressibility, with possible extensions to guiding-centre motion or trapped/passing orbits. | Prof. Matthew Hole |
| Arithmetic algebraic geometry # | Anything related to the algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry. | James Borger |
| Topics in representation theory # | Topics related to representations of quivers and quiver varieties, representations of Lie algebras, or similar, and associated homological algebra and combinatorics. | Dr Asilata Bapat |
| Stochastic algorithms for solving ill-posed inverse problems # | This project aims to develop and analyse stochastic iterative algorithms for ill-posed inverse problems that significantly reduce the computational cost by utilizing only randomly selected equations or mini-batches at each iteration. The project will establish their convergence, regularization, and convergence-rate properties and develop efficient algorithms capable of incorporating structural priors such as sparsity and total variation. | A/Prof Qinian Jin |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description.
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Medical Research
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Understanding the role of TRPA1 in the development of epilepsy ^ | This project investigates how TRPA1 contributes to epileptogenesis using PTZ‑induced seizures and cortical EEG recordings. Drawing on the Kheradpezhouh Group’s expertise in calcium‑channel signalling, it examines how TRPA1‑mediated Ca²⁺ dysregulation drives neuronal hyperexcitability, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could guide future epilepsy therapies. | Dr Ehsan Kheradpezhouh |
| Understanding the role of TRPV1 in the development of epilepsy ^ | This project explores how TRPV1 influences epileptogenesis using PTZ‑induced seizure models and cortical EEG recordings. Building on the Kheradpezhouh Group’s expertise in calcium‑channel signalling, the study investigates how TRPV1‑mediated Ca²⁺ influx shapes neuronal hyperexcitability, aiming to uncover mechanisms relevant to epilepsy development. | Dr Ehsan Kheradpezhouh |
| A high-throughput mouse bone marrow system to screen novel therapeutics that enhance platelet production ^ | Cancer chemotherapy frequently reduces blood platelet numbers, increasing the risk of bleeding and often limiting treatment intensity. This project aims to develop a high-throughput mouse bone marrow culture system to identify compounds that enhance platelet production by acting on haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The project will involve primary bone marrow culture, multicolour flow cytometry and translational drug screening. | Prof Elizabeth Gardiner and Dr Vijay Bhoopalan |
| Preserving stem cell quality for improved transplantation outcomes ^ | Blood cancer patients often require autologous stem cell transplantation to recover from high-dose chemotherapy. However, processing and long-term cryopreservation adversely affect the quality of collected stem cells, with platelet and cytokines implicated with this decline. This project will investigate whether cytokine-neutralising or antiplatelet strategies preserve stem cell quality, while providing experience in cell culture and flow cytometry. | Prof Elizabeth Gardiner and Dr Vijay Bhoopalan |
| Identifying the molecular regulators of megakaryocyte-biased haematopoiesis through proteomics ^ | Megakaryocyte-biased haematopoiesis is an adaptive process in which haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells preferentially differentiate into the megakaryocyte lineage to meet increased platelet demand during physiological stress and disease. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this lineage bias remain poorly understood. This project will use proteomic profiling to identify key signalling pathways and protein networks that drive megakaryocyte-biased haematopoiesis and reveal potential therapeutic targets. | Prof Elizabeth Gardiner and Dr Amandeep Kaur |
| Mapping the shear-induced protein release from platelets under pathological conditions ^ | Pathological high shear stress induces proteolytic shedding of platelet surface receptors, altering platelet function and contributing to both bleeding and thrombotic complications. Loss of key adhesive and signalling receptors impairs haemostasis, whereas shear-induced platelet activation and release of soluble proteins promote thromboinflammation. This project will use proteomic profiling to comprehensively characterise the platelet sheddome and identify the novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. | Prof Elizabeth Gardiner and Dr Amandeep Kau |
| Development of SilkMA Nanofibre-Reinforced Alginate/GelMA Hydrogel for Tendon Tissue Engineering | Tendon injuries often heal poorly due to limited vascularization and inadequate mechanical strength, highlighting the need for advanced biomaterials. This project aims to fabricate electrospun methacrylated silk fibroin (SilkMA) nanofibres and incorporate them into an alginate/GelMA hydrogel to develop a reinforced composite scaffold for tendon tissue engineering. The scaffold will be characterized for morphology (SEM), swelling, mechanical properties, and rheological behaviour. The biological performance will be evaluated using human tendon-derived stem cells through cell viability, attachment, and proliferation assays. The project will provide hands-on experience in electrospinning, hydrogel fabrication, biomaterial characterization, and cell culture while demonstrating the potential of SilkMA-reinforced hydrogels for tendon regeneration. | Dr Kapil Patel and Prof Adam Perriman |
| Fabrication of Gelatin/Silk Fibroin Composite Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Regeneration | Skin injuries require biomaterials that provide mechanical support and promote tissue repair. This project will fabricate electrospun gelatin/silk fibroin composite nanofibres and evaluate their morphology, physicochemical, and mechanical properties. Their biological performance will be assessed using human dermal fibroblasts to determine their potential as extracellular matrix-mimicking wound dressings for skin tissue regeneration. | Dr Kapil Patel and Prof Adam Perriman |
| Personalised Medicine in autoimmune disease ^ | This project involves identification and demonstration of gene variants contributing to immune dysfunction and autoimmune disease. We demonstrate how human mutation alters protein function, leading to disturbed immune responses, and therefore autoimmunity. Using human and CRISPR mouse models we identify new mechanisms of autoimmunity, ways to treat with personalised medicine, and create models of autoimmune/autoinflammatory disease - ultimately aiming to treat patients with these insights | A/Prof Simon Jiang |
| Enhanced syndromic surveillance for climate-sensitive infectious diseases in primary care settings in Indonesia ** | Funded by Oxford University and Welcome Trust through MODRA Fellowship Program, the project aims to develop and implement syndromic surveillance for climate-sensitive acute febrile illnesses at primary care settings in Indonesia. The project involves four components: identification and initial development of syndromic criteria through modified Delphi study; implementation of syndromic surveillance across 10 PHC sites followed with RT-PCR tests for 100 samples from 3 PHC sites including assessing sensitivity/specificity of the new tool followed by finalisation of syndromic criteria, assessing feasibility and acceptability from health provider perspective, and medical record review across four district hospitals. The final output will be a simple, easy to use, syndromic surveillance tools to be implemented at PHC settings and integrated into their routine clinical care pathways. | Associate Professor I Nyoman Sutarsa |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description.
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
** Project open to staff only
Physics and Engineering
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative competency mapping for EV/battery technician training # | India's EV sector is projected to need roughly 10 million direct jobs by 2030, with less than 10% of the existing ICE workforce currently trained for EV work. A scholar could compare the Indian competency frameworks emerging from bodies like ASDC/DIYguru against Australian frameworks, identifying transferable elements and gaps. | Associate Prof Kim Blackmore |
| V2G social acceptability literature review / stakeholder scan # | India's V2G and bidirectional charging skills are described as still largely untapped territory, with software/telematics layers under-resourced. A scholar could do a structured literature and policy scan of V2G pilots and consumer attitudes in India, framed through a Capability Approach lens (who is positioned to benefit vs. excluded). | Associate Prof Kim Blackmore |
| Just transition workforce case study — Kalimantan coal regions # | Indonesia's JETP and the ILO's Innovation Regions for a Just Energy Transition project are actively grappling with retraining and reskilling coal workers, with estimates of roughly 180,000 planning/construction workers and a further 150,000 operations workers needing alternative employment by the 2030s–2040s. A scholar could produce a case study synthesis of workforce transition mechanisms in a specific coal region (e.g. East Kalimantan), analysed through a gender and green collar work lens. | Associate Prof Kim Blackmore |
| National workforce roadmap comparator # | Indonesia's SWIFT National Roadmap for Workforce Development (2025–2060), run through the Ministry of Energy's PPSDM KEBTKE, is a live, evolving national framework. A scholar could compare it against Australia's VET-sector approach (TAFE-based, competency framework model) to identify what institutional design choices are transferable. | Associate Prof Kim Blackmore |
| Giving Robots a Sense of Hearing: Neural Inverse Acoustics for Digital Twins # | Train autonomous systems effectively by giving digital twins a sense of hearing. In this project, you will develop a deep learning model to transform real-world measured impulse responses into equivalent "shoebox" room parameters - specifically dimensions and reflection coefficients. Join us to bridge physical acoustics and neural networks, advancing spatial audio perception for next-generation autonomous robots | Professor Thushara Abhayapala |
| High-Performance Materials for High-Temperature Thermal Energy Storage # | This project develops advanced functional ceramic materials for thermal energy storage above 1000°C, targeting industrial heat (iron/steel, alumina, cement). Work focuses on how composition and microstructure control heat storage capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermo-mechanical durability under cycling. Depending on background, the scholar may undertake materials synthesis, high-temperature heat treatment, and characterisation (XRD, SEM, TGA/DSC, thermal cycling). | Dr. Mahdiar Taheri, Prof Joe Coventry |
| Low-Cost Alternative Anodes for Electrochemical Oxidation of Persistent Wastewater Contaminants ^ | Electrochemical oxidation is a promising technology for treating persistent hazardous wastewater by generating reactive species without chemical oxidants. However, the high cost of boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes limits large-scale application. This project develops and characterises low-cost, scalable alternative anodes and evaluates their electrochemical oxidation performance for degrading persistent contaminants using electrochemical and advanced material characterisation techniques. | Prof. Siva Karuturi, Dr Farid Attar |
| Low-Cost Electrocatalysts for Tunable Syngas Production from CO2 and Water ^ | Electrochemical co-reduction of CO2 and water can produce syngas with controllable CO/H2 ratios for downstream chemical synthesis. This project will develop low-cost Zn-based or Zn-modified electrodes to regulate the competition between CO2-to-CO conversion and hydrogen evolution. The student will conduct catalyst preparation, electrochemical testing, gas product analysis by using gas chromatography (GC), and material characterisation. | Prof. Siva Karuturi, Dr Kaili Liu |
| Scalable and Highly Efficient Earth-Abundant Nickel-Based Catalyst–Electrode Systems for Hydrogen Production ^ | The development of cost-friendly, highly efficient and scalable earth-abundant Ni-based catalyst–electrode systems is critical for electrochemical hydrogen production and achieving Paris Agreement's net-zero emissions targets by 2050. This project focuses on the synthesis of Ni-based catalyst–electrodes via solution corrosion, a simple and scalable method, and evaluating their electrochemical performance for hydrogen production as well as their structural and morphological properties. | Prof. Siva Karuturi, Dr Parvathala Narangari |
| Development of a Domain-Specific Small Language Model for Edge Environmental Monitoring # | Edge/embedded AI natural language processing for IoT sensors for local place-baed flood intelligence networks | A/Prof Jeremy Smith and Asanka Peramune |
| Light emitting metasurfaces | Experimental studies of light-emitting dielectric metasurfaces for low power nonlinear processing | Prof. Dragomir Neshev |
| Mass-entangled ultracold helium atoms ^ # | This experimental project aims to create entangled states of ultracold helium atoms where the entanglement is between atoms of different mass. By manipulating the entangled pairs using laser induced Bragg transitions and measuring the resulting correlations, we will study how gravity affects mass-entangled particles. | Dr. Sean Hodgman and Prof. Andrew Truscott |
| Interactions between antimatter and ultracold atoms ^ # | Antiparticles and antimatter have progressed from theory and science fiction to become an important and exciting area of pure and applied science. This fundamental atomic physics project will investigate how antimatter and matter interact by experimentally studying the interaction of positrons (the electron anti-particle) with trapped ultracold rubidium atoms. | Dr. Sean Hodgman, Prof. Stephen Buckman and Dr. Joshua Machacek |
| Experimental quantum simulation with ultracold metastable Helium atoms in an optical lattice ^ # | This project will construct a 3D optical lattice apparatus for ultracold metastable Helium atoms, which will form an experimental quantum-simulator to investigate quantum many-body physics. A range of experiments will be performed such as studying higher order quantum correlations across the superfluid to Mott insulator phase transition. | Dr. Sean Hodgman and Prof. Andrew Truscott |
| Shining new light on the ‘proton radius puzzle’ using ultracold helium ^ # | This experimental project involves building an ultra-stable frequency laser which will be used to probe electronic transitions in ultracold - 3He and 4He. These measurements will then be used to determine the differential isotopic nuclear charge radius of helium to a world leading absolute accuracy. | Dr. Sean Hodgman and Prof. Andrew Truscott |
| Shear Your Way to Softer Limits: Lowering the Amorphisation Threshold of Indium Hydroxide # | Building on our discovery that indium hydroxide amorphises under pressure and slowly recrystallises at ambient conditions, this project will explore if shear can lower the pressure threshold for amorphisation and alter recrystallisation kinetics afterward. Using a rotational diamond anvil cell and Raman spectroscopy both disorder onset and recovery over time will be explored. | Professor Jodie Bradby |
| Next generation compound semiconductor optoelectronic devices # | Our research focuses on incorporating nanostructures into the next generation optoelectronic and photonic devices such as lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, sensors and solar cells. Applications for these devices are for holographic displays, LiDAR systems, Li-Fi, augmented reality, quantum communications, remote sensing and wearable sensors. | Prof. Hoe Tan, Prof. Lan Fu and Prof. Chennupati Jagadish |
| Controls optimisation for the Torsion Pendulum Dual Oscillator suspension system | The torsion pendulum dual oscillator sensor is mounted on a multi-stage isolation suspension for reducing the impacts of the local environment. This project will develop an optimal blending controls strategy, then digital feedback to the suspension actuators. This project will give experience in advanced feedback controls, applicable in many areas of STEM. Applicants with some experience in MATLAB/ Linux recommended. | A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua and Dr Shreevathsa Chalathadka Subrahmanya |
| Vibration control for optical interferometry | This project is to develop an optical sensor to readout a flexure-based seismic inertia sensor. This will use a quadrant-photodetector-based displacement technique for the readout. During the project, the student will develop skills in electronics, optics, mechanical and control systems. | A/Prof Bram Slagmolen, Dr Sheon Chua and Dr Shreevathsa Chalathadka Subrahmanya |
| Ringdown and direct wave analysis # | Study numerical-relativity waveforms for various binary black hole merger systems, filter out ringdown components, and understand the evolution of the direct wave signals that carry imprints of the remnant black hole horizon. | Dr Ling Sun |
| Quantum squeezed states for interferometric gravitational wave detectors | Using non-classical light states on laser interferometric gravitational-wave detectors, to further enhance the best length measurement devices in the world. | Prof Robert Ward and Dr Terry McRae |
| Resolving Protein Conformations in Neurodegenerative Disease Using Solid-State Nanopore Sensing ^ # | This project develops solid-state nanopores as label-free single-molecule sensors for resolving the structural conformations of neurodegeneration-associated proteins such as amyloid-beta and α-synuclein. By combining solid state nanopores with machine learning analysis of translocation signals, the work distinguishes monomeric, oligomeric, and aggregated species, advancing early diagnosis and mechanistic understanding of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related neurodegenerative disorders, without labels, amplification, or purification. | Dr Shankar Dutt and Prof Patrick Kluth |
| Decay spectroscopy of neutron-rich rare isotopes for nuclear structure and astrophysics ^ # | The ANU Nuclear Structure Group performs research into the into the ground-state and excited-state properties of atomic nuclei, with a focus on experimental studies of single-particle and collective motion of nucleons, radioactive decay, and nuclear instrumentation. This project involves data analysis from an experiment performed at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams to study the structure and radioactive-decay properties of very-neutron-rich nuclei. The project may also involve hands-on activities with our beamlines and associated radiation-detection systems. | Dr AJ Mitchell and Prof Greg Lane |
| Ultra-fast-lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states ^ # | The ANU Nuclear Structure Group performs research into the into the ground-state and excited-state properties of atomic nuclei, with a focus on experimental studies of single-particle and collective motion of nucleons, radioactive decay, and nuclear instrumentation. This project involves data analysis from an experiment performed at the ANU Heavy Ion Accelerator Laboratory to study the structure and collective properties of atomic nuclei. The project may also involve hands-on activities with our beamlines and associated radiation-detection systems. | Dr AJ Mitchell and Prof Greg Lane |
| Simulating cosmic-ray interactions with materials for dark matter and commercial applications # | This project provides an opportunity to explore the broad impact of cosmic-ray interactions — from fundamental physics searches for dark matter to real-world applications in environmental science — while developing valuable skills in computational modelling and radiation transport. | Dr Yiyi Zhong |
| Dark Matter Detector Research # | Our group develops particle tracking detectors called gas time projection chambers, predominantly for Dark Matter experiments. Projects are available for students to work on:
| Dr. Lindsey Bignell |
| Modelling and Correction of Polarisation Errors in Fibre Interferometers # | Fiber interferometers use optical phase to create highly precise sensors for applications including laser stabilisation, inertial sensing and vibrometry. The optical polarisation state is often an error in these measurements. This project will work to improve a digital method to measure the polarisation evolution of fibre interferometers using adaptive filters that combine multiple polarisation measurements together. | Dr Chathura Bandutunga and A/Prof John Debs |
| RF referencing of Fibre Frequency References # | Fiber frequency references provide a way to stabilise laser frequency but they themselves need to be stable. This is a challenge at long timescales where temperature drift causes the fibre to change its effective length. This project will use RF referenced measurements to independently track the length change and correct for it in signal processing enabling better long term laser stabilisation | Dr Chathura Bandutunga, Dr Keshu Huang |
^ This research project can be extended, and supported with additional funding, beyond the standard duration (12 weeks) of the FRT program. For details, please see the project description
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Science Communication
| Research Project / area / group | Description | ANU Supervisor/s |
|---|---|---|
| Materials, Systems and Society Hub (MASSH) at CPAS # | According to the IEA, decarbonising energy systems requires mining and processing vast amounts of ‘critical minerals’ such as copper, nickel, lithium and rare earths. Drawing from social and transdisciplinary sciences, our team explores how social and environmental considerations are – and can be – integrated into STEM-led innovation projects. Approaches centred on concepts of sufficiency and demand reduction are of particular interest. | Prof Sujatha Raman, Dr Rini Astuti, Dr Karina Judd and Dr Dan Santos |
| RI Lab: AI and responsible innovation # | Assessing responsible innovation and use of AI in science communication and engagement | Dr Ehsan Nabavi |
| AI in the classroom # | How university students understand the scope of AI research; their fears, hopes, aspirations and ethical stance. | Dr Faranak Hardcastle and A/Prof Fabien Medvecky |
# Projects / groups that are open to hosting staff and undergraduate & postgraduate students.
Selection
The selection process for the FRT program will consider the following factors when shortlisting FRT award recipients:
- academic merit and candidate’s research experience;
- ranking of nominated candidates by the host ANU research school;
- English language ability of candidates; and,
- ranking of nominated candidates by the collaborating Indonesian institution.
Nomination and application
The FRT award program is only open to candidates from specific collaborating institutions in Indonesia. Every year, the collaborating institutions are provided with nomination instructions, including a link to the online application portal. Collaborating institutions conduct their own internal selection process and nominate a limited number of candidates to the ANU. The final selection from the batch of nominated candidates is done by ANU.
For FRT 2027 round:
Application / nomination instructions were sent to partner institutions in Indonesia on 11 August 2026.
The FRT online application portal is currently open and will close at 11:59 PM AEST on 25 September 2026.
Successful awardees will be notified by the end of November 2026.
Collaborating institutions:
Further information
Funds awarded under the FRT program must be fully expended by the recipient within 12 months from the date on which the recipient was notified of their award.
It is suggested that the candidates undertake their research project at ANU between the months of June - September. However, the timing can be negotiated between the award recipient and the host Research School/Research group at ANU.
The Research Schools, in consultation with the award recipient and the collaborating Indonesian institution, may also extend the research project beyond 12 weeks. Any ongoing funding to support research experience/projects longer than 12 weeks will be at the discretion of the ANU Research School and the Research group/department hosting the student.
Reference documents
Contact
Please speak to the international relations/collaboration office of your institution to check if it is an FRT collaborating institution. Your international relations office will run the first selection round for your institution and can answer any questions about the program. If your institution is not a collaborating institution or your international office cannot answer your questions, please contact ANU at frt.science@anu.edu.au.
Chennupati and Vidya Jagadish Fellowship and Scholarship Awards
The Chennupati and Vidya Jagadish Visiting Scholarship and Fellowship Awards give students and researchers from developing countries the chance to travel to the Research School of Physics at ANU to pursue collaborative research for up to 12 weeks. For more information, please click here
Indonesian students at ANU
FRT news stories
When Dhruv Bhagtani landed in Australia thanks to a prestigious Future Research Talent Award, he knew he’d be doing world-class undergraduate research. What he didn’t expect was the world of opportunity it also opened up.
Growing up in Delhi, Chandan worked hard to pursue his love of mathematics. His story is a story of hope.
A visit to ANU through the Future Research Talent program allows participants to enhance their research skills, consider global perspectives, and experience cross cultural learning.
Research stories
Professor Christoph Nitsche is on a mission to develop new proteins and peptides to fight infections and cancer.
Headlines about how Europe’s brutally hot summer has resulted in thousands of deaths have probably got your attention lately. But do you know why extreme heat is so dangerous?
Should we stop viewing ignorance only as a problem? In his new book, Emeritus Professor Michael Smithson explores why psychology needs to pay more attention to what we don't know. Arguing that ignorance can not only be bliss, but also an important part of what makes us, us.