The University of Notre Dame Australia is investing in the next generation of researchers through a suite of new Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships that will address some of Australia’s most pressing social and ethical challenges.
The scholarships will support research into the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen Indigenous representation in the research community and help inform public policy to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence.
They reflect Notre Dame’s commitment to advancing transformative research that addresses real-world challenges and delivers lasting benefits for the community.
Among the opportunities is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR Scholarship, which provides financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a higher degree by research.
This scholarship aims to promote research excellence and strengthen Indigenous participation and representation within the research community.
The University is also offering a Transformative Research HDR Scholarship in the Ethics of AI, which will support postgraduate research into the ethical development and use of emerging technologies.
Hosted in Notre Dame’s new Centre for Technology and Human Futures, this scholarship recognises the growing importance of exploring how AI impacts the way we work, teach, play, understand ourselves and relate to one another.
A third scholarship will support research into domestic, family and sexual violence through the NSW ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Research Network —a collaboration of 12 universities and key NSW government agencies.
The PhD scholarship will contribute to a coordinated research agenda designed to inform government policy and support evidence-based approaches to building safer communities.
Pro Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Aron Murphy, said the three scholarships would support research that could help navigate some of the nation’s most complex challenges.
“Research has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute new knowledge in areas of national importance,” he said.
“Whether it’s strengthening Indigenous research leadership, exploring the ethical implications of emerging technologies or contributing to the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence, these projects share a common goal of improving lives through impactful research.”
Chair of Indigenous Research at Notre Dame’s Nulungu Research Institute, Associate Professor Stephen Kinnane, highlighted the significant impact of a well-resourced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR Scholarship to support Notre Dame’s growing cohort of Indigenous researchers.
“The Nulungu Research Institute has been in operation now for over 18 years,” he said.
“Within that time, we have developed pathways for Indigenous researchers across a range of disciplines, including social impact research and the impact of culture on wellbeing, to areas as diverse as renewable energy opportunities and successful transitions to higher education.
“This significant scholarship supports Notre Dame’s long-standing development of pathways for Indigenous researchers and research outputs that matter to Indigenous communities.”
