2025 PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing at Flinders University

We are seeking an outstanding candidate for a PhD Enterprise Scholarship at Flinders University, co-funded by Backtech Pty Ltd, to undertake an exciting research project titled "Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing". This innovative project aims to explore sustainable solutions for the construction and mining industries by investigating the integration of mine tailings into high-performance concrete mixes suitable for 3D printing. The research will focus on material optimisation, structural performance, and environmental impact, with the goal of developing cost-effective and eco-friendly construction materials.

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing
• Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing
• Requirements for PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Flinders University

Flinders University is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1966, it was named in honour of navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored and surveyed the South Australian coastline in the early 19th century. Flinders is a verdant university[citation needed] and a member of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Group and ranks in the 10-16 bracket in Australia and 36th in the world of those established less than 50 years. Academically, the university pioneered a cross-disciplinary approach to education, and its faculties of medicine and the humanities are ranked amon... continue reading

PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing

Aim and Benefits of PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing

• Co-funded by Flinders University and Backtech Pty Ltd
• Annual stipend starting at $40,000 (2025 rate), indexed annually
• Duration: Up to 3.5 years full-time
• Includes a minimum 60-day industry internship with Backtech Pty Ltd
• Access to state-of-the-art testing facilities at Flinders University

Requirements for PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Utilising Mine Tailings in Concrete 3D Printing Qualification

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a research background in construction materials and 3D concrete printing technology.
• Be either a domestic candidate (Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident) or an international candidate.
• Meet Flinders University PhD admission requirements, including:
• An Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A, or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), with a research component of at least 6 months full-time study achieving Distinction (75%), OR
• Evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant.
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in late November 2025, with flexibility for an early 2026 start.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Step 1: Expression of Interest: Before applying, prospective applicants must email the following to Dr Aliakbar Gholampour at [email protected]:

• A current CV
• A copy of your academic transcript

Step 2: Apply for Admission: Applications for PhD admission and the scholarship are separate.

If you have not already applied for admission to a relevant HDR program, you must do so via the Flinders University portal: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/apply/apply-research-degree/how-to-apply 

By submitting your admission application, you acknowledge:

• The ‘Supervisor confirmation’ must refer to this scholarship opportunity. 
• Your application will only be assessed if: You are successful in being awarded the scholarship, OR You confirm that your supervisors agree to proceed with the project and enrolment even if the scholarship is not awarded. 

All other applications for PhD admission that do not meet these conditions will not be assessed and will be withdrawn.

For more details, visit Flinders University Scholarship webpage