If you would like more information or have any questions about this scholarship, please contact the project supervisors.
A/Prof Hong Xian Li
hong.li@deakin.edu.au
AI Enabled Geothermal Utilisation for Sustainable Buildings
Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed
Supporting a PhD candidate as part of the REACH Trailblazer Program to initiate and conduct research in AI-enhanced optimisation of geothermal building systems.
Key details
Project supervisor
Additional supervision
Prof Yong Xaing
Prof Guillermo A. Narsilio (University of Melbourne)
Deakin institute and faculty
School of Architecture and Built Environment
School of Information Technology
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Location
Geelong Waterfront Campus
Value and duration
The scholarships is available over three years (possible six-month extension) and offers:
- a stipend of $45,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
- a relocation allowance of $500–1,500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
- contribution to research purposes including travel of $1,500 per annum for three years.
- a once-off $5,000 conference travel allowance
- an annual research allowance of $1,100 (per year)
For international students, the awardee will also receive:
- tuition fees offset for the duration of four years
- single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Research aim
This PhD project aims to advance the performance and reliability of geothermal heat pump systems for sustainable buildings by integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence techniques.
The research will analyse real-world system performance against design expectations, identify and resolve operational inefficiencies in collaboration with industry partners, and develop AI-driven optimisation strategies to enhance temperature control, flow rates, and coefficient of performance (COP).
Through this work, the project seeks to unlock greater energy efficiency and emissions reduction in the built environment, contributing to global efforts to decarbonise a sector responsible for over a third of energy use and CO₂ emissions.
The successful candidate will work closely with leading organisations, including PICAC, IAPMO, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA).
If you're ready to lead research on geothermal energy for buildings we encourage you to apply.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible you must:
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- enrol full time
- hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard masters degree with substantial research component.
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
Ready to apply?
Please email your CV and cover letter (including your interest in the project) to A/Prof Hong Xian Li. Your CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If successful, you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Research degree entry requirements
Set yourself up for success. Each type of Deakin research degree has specific entry requirements designed to ensure that graduate researchers are well prepared for the challenges of advanced study.
