Flinders University Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications 2025

We are seeking two outstanding candidates for PhD scholarships for cutting-edge projects, funded by the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Discovery Program, entailing the development of ferroelectric (multiferroic) thin films and polar nanostructures for novel electronic, sensing and neuromorphic applications.

Ferroelectric (multiferroics) akin to magnets exhibit a corresponding electrical property known as permanent electric polarization, which stems from electric dipoles featuring equal but oppositely charged ends or poles. The polarization can be repeatedly altered between two or more equivalent states or directions when subjected to an external electric field. The switchable polar materials thus are under active consideration for numerous technological applications including fast nano-electronic computer memory and low-energy electronic and sensing devices. The functionality of ferroic materials (oxides and van der Waals materials) at its core is driven by a range of spatially complex, real-space topological polar configurations, which provides a fertile ground for exploring emergent electronic phenomena and exotic phases in condensed matter physics. The projects will make use of a range of experimental material and device characterization techniques including state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy, as well as electrical characterization techniques, to unveil emergent electronic properties and exotic polar nanostructures for low-energy electronics and sensing.

• Table of Content
• About Flinders University
• Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications
• Aim and Benefits of Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications
• Requirements for Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications 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

Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications

Aim and Benefits of Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications

The scholarship includes:

• A stipend  valued at $33,000* per annum tax-free
• The scholarship will be awarded for three years
• A Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to cover tuition fees for Australian Citizens, NZ Citizens and Permanent Residents
• Overseas students will be considered

Requirements for Ferrotronics for Novel Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications Qualification

To be eligible for the award of this scholarship a student must:

• Be an Australian citizen; or New Zealand citizen; or have been granted permanent resident status; or are international citizens; and
• Meet PhD admission requirements including: have an Australian Honours degree Class 1 or 2A or equivalent qualification (at least AQF Level 8), including a research component of at least 6 months’ full-time study achieving Distinction (75%) OR including evidence of equivalent research experience, such as a substantial first-author refereed publication or track record as an investigator on a competitive grant; and
• Be available to commence as a full-time PhD student at Flinders University in semester 1, 2025; 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Those who apply for the scholarship opportunity that have not already applied for admission to a relevant HDR must also apply.  

By lodging this separate application, applicants acknowledge:

• The ‘Supervisor confirmation’ must refer to the application for this scholarship
• The application for PhD admission will only be assessed where:
  • The applicant is successful in being awarded the scholarship

For more details, visit Flinders University scholarship website.