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The Diamantina Institute is gaining an international reputation for its basic and translational biomedical research. The aim of our research is to translate basic biological knowledge into clinically useful outcomes. Being situated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, we can work alongside the hospitals’ clinical staff to address important health and disease problems. Our students are part of this exciting research environment and your research will be contributing to improving health outcomes in Australia and around the world.
Our Postgraduate Program
The Diamantina Institute aims to provide students with training beyond the boundaries of their specific research area. In addition to the support from the principal supervisor who guides each student’s development as a research scientist, we also appoint a thesis committee to support the student throughout the project. We also have a mentoring program. The Institute organises a seminar series with regular talks on the latest research topics given by leading scientists from Australia and around the world, as well as by our own research staff and students. Each PhD student can apply for travel awards to support travel to an international meeting and visit institutions and laboratories to explore fellowship opportunities. We have over 40 postgraduate students currently enrolled and an active social club that will enrich your time with us. Social club activities include regular BBQs, an inter-institute soccer competition, wine-tasting nights, lawn bowls, trivia nights and a Christmas party.
Professional Development
We are keen to support our students’ professional development, and run workshops on bioinformatics, bioethics, biobusiness, scientific writing, scientific presentations and in other key areas that will help you grow as a researcher. You also have the opportunity to build your confidence in presenting your science to others by giving talks to your research group and Institute staff. Our dedicated writing coach will help you with your scientific writing and also offers individualised English-language support for ESL students. We offer finishing PhD students information and help on obtaining postdoctoral fellowships and encourage them to visit other labs and attend international conferences to secure a postdoctoral position. Our graduates have gone on to work at labs in the USA, Europe, Asia and around Australia.
Exposure to Commercialisation
With the commercialisation successes at the Diamantina Institute, we are focused on giving our students not only an all-round medical research education but also an introduction to topics such as commercialisation, biobusiness and intellectual property. These are designed to make all students aware of important or current issues at the interface of industry and basic research. Our students are an important part of the government/university/industry axis for developing the commercialisation of science for Australia’s future. Working at the cutting-edge of technology, it is imperative for students to also understand the impact science has on contemporary society.
Honours Program
The Diamantina Institute does not enrol Honours students but students can undertake their Honours program at the Diamantina Institute while being enrolled in any of the departments at The University of Queensland, such as the School of Molecular and Microbial Sciences, the School of Biomedical Sciences and others in the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences. It is a one year full time course and students must fulfill the prerequisites of the undergraduate department through which they are enrolled.
Masters and PhD Program
Masters and PhD programs at the Diamantina Institute require a Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) and either an Honours or M.Sc., or appropriate experience. A first class Honours degree has a high chance of qualifying for an Australian Postgraduate Award (residents of Australia only), or one of the many other scholarships available. Top-up scholarships of $5000 per annum are available from the Diamantina Institute for three years to domestic students who have been successful in obtaining a competitive scholarship. All PhD students enter the program as provisional candidates for the first year and undergo an oral presentation and interview before they are admitted as full candidates.
Selection Criteria and Further Information
Selection of students is competitive. Decisions are made based on academic performance, research experience and interest. For more information, please contact our Postgraduate Administrative Officer on di.studentenquiries"at"uq.edu.au or phone 07 3240 5490. For more detailed information about our Postgraduate Program, download the postgraduate student handbook.
How to Apply
Interested in undertaking your postgraduate research at the Diamantina Institute? Find out what to do next.