The UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme is part of UNSW’s dedication to harnessing our cutting-edge research to solve complex problems and improve the lives of people in local and global communities.
Between 2017 and 2020, the Scheme recruited over 400 exceptional PhD candidates to work on research projects aligned with UNSW’s ten year strategy. To date, over 100 of these candidates have graduated.
Scientia PhD candidates have a strong commitment to making a difference in the world with demonstrated potential for contributing to the social engagement and/or global impact pillars of the UNSW 2025 Strategy.
The program offered under this Scheme embeds an explicit focus on career and professional development and research engagement, in order to prepare doctoral graduates for a range of careers including academia. Its unique benefits include individualised support and $10,000 per annum to help candidates reach their personal development goals.
Our Scientia PhD Scholars
Learn more about our Scientia PhD scholars.
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Dr John Kokkinos
Dr John Kokkinos (Medicine and Health) graduated from the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship program in 2022. During his UNSW candidature, Dr Kokkinos developed new therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. He successfully grew human pancreatic tissue in vitro, and discovered a way to inhibit growth, advancing research of one of the deadliest cancers.
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Scientia PhD candidate Linda Romanovska
Scientia PhD scholar Linda Romanovska (Arts, Design and Architecture) is exploring the best ways to assess the full value of living green infrastructure, and optimise its many benefits for urban communities. Romanovska advises the European Union and other international, national and local agencies on adaptation to climate change planning, funding and implementation.
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Dr Sujith Kumar
Dr Sujith Kumar (Arts, Design and Architecture) graduated from the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship program in 2021. Dr Kumar explored sexuality, ethnicity and belonging among Lebanese, Indian and Anglo LGBTQ+ young adults in Sydney, Australia.