Doctoral Training Centres

NIER Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) provide industry embedded PhD programs and training to produce impactful research outcomes, job-ready graduates and strong links between industry and universities.

The collaboration model of the DTC benefits all parties by:

  • improving employability for candidates;
  • providing access to expertise and resources to solve real industry challenges; and
  • enhancing industry-based collaborations for the University.

NIER currently coordinates three DTCs under the themes of Food & Agribusiness, Resources and Energy.

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Pathway 1 - Recruit a new PhD student to help you solve your business challenge

Students completing their PhD through the DTC are high-achieving researchers equipped to tackle real world industry challenges. We can work with you to recruit the appropriate candidate for your project. The successful candidate, and the progress of your project, will be supervised by an experienced researcher within the University to help drive outcomes for your research project.

Pathway 2 – Upskill a current employee

The DTC provides the unique opportunity for you to put a current, high performing employee through the program to help solve your business challenges. By providing this opportunity for professional development, you are increasing the technical skillset and knowledge base of your organisation, with the added benefit that your PhD candidate will already know your business well. Your employee will continue to work for you and be based at your workplace, while completing their PhD program part-time.

Study with us

Video

Supporting excellent industry collaboration

Jackson Lee, a PhD candidate in the Energy Doctoral Training Centre, is researching electrochemical methods for recycling solar panels with CSIRO and PV Industries under the supervision of Dr Jessica Allen.

80 million tonnes of solar panels are expected to go to waste by 2050. Jackson's research is vital for ensuring critical materials like copper, silver, and silicon are recovered.

Supported with professional training opportunities and industry site visits facilitated by the DTC, his excellent industry collaboration earned him the Higher Degree by Research Student Excellence award in the 2024 NIER Research Collaboration Awards.

Watch the video above to learn more about his work.

Are you interested in continuing your Higher Degree Research, but also want to connect with industry? Undertaking your doctoral training through the DTC means you can research solutions for an industry problem, while sharing your time between the work site and the research labs.

The multi-disciplinary model will provide you a Higher Degree Research experience that will translate across multiple careers and industries. You will also benefit from enhanced skills training to improve your professional skills and boost your employability.

Case studies

Brochures