QBI's new seven-storey facilities at
UQ's St Lucia Campus

Research Higher Degrees

• QBI Summer Internships 09/10 Closed
  

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) has a comprehensive program of research aimed at understanding the central nervous system at molecular, cellular and functional levels. Such an understanding is essential in the development of tools to promote optimum brain function. Our research will contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to help combat the ever-increasing number of cases of neurological and mental illnesses in Australia.

QBI is further dedicated to providing world-class training opportunities for Research Higher Degree (postgraduate) students. All post-grad students are supervised by qualified research staff with national and international profiles in neuroscience.

Students will join a stimulating interdisciplinary team of researchers that includes molecular biologists, stem cell biologists, electro-physiologists, neuropsychologists and mathematicians.

In November 2007, QBI officially opened its new $63 million seven-storey, research facility designed specifically for neuroscience, incorporating a unique range of equipment and cutting-edge technologies. The multi-disciplinary research environment and world-class facilities provide a unique experience for our research students. RHD students are a vital component of the institute contributing significantly to the Institute’s research profile and culture.

A range of student projects are offered. Prospective students interested in working with QBI's researchers are welcome to contact the Lab Head directly for further information.

A complete list of research programs and the groups working within them can be found here

      Inquiries regarding admission and scholarships should be directed to
     
      Ms Elizabeth Pyke
      Postgraduate Admin Officer
      Queensland Brain Institute
      The University of Queensland
      Brisbane Queensland 4072
      Australia
      Email: QBIstudents@uq.edu.au
      Telephone: 61 7 334 66401

The Research Higher Degree Program

The QBI RHD program not only exposes students to scientific research within their chosen field, but also broadens their horizons to include related fields through weekly seminar series. The QBI Neuroscience Seminar series is held weekly and features speakers from around the world, covering a diverse range of topics. It is an initiative that aims to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and strengthening existing partnerships.

Students are encouraged to present their work at relevant conferences, both national (once per annum) and international (once per candidature).  QBI will contribute towards these costs.

All PhD students will be provided with a new computer and internet access.

QBI adheres to the University’s infrastructure guidelines regarding support for Research Higher Degree students (http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school).

Intellectual Property

Many of the projects QBI RHD students will be working on may be funded by non-traditional sources such as industry or venture capitalists, and QBI may have a legal obligation to ensure that any intellectual property (IP) created with such funding is owned by the University. This is so that the University can manage research outcomes in order to protect IP and facilitate its development.

Consequently, all QBI RHD students are expected to assign their IP to the University of Queensland.  In the event that there is commercial return from a student’s IP, a student is given the same status as a University staff member under the University Policy. Thus the student shares in any commercial return generated from the IP through the University’s generous splits agreement.  Further information on the University’s IP policy can be found at: http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25152

Students retain copyright in their thesis or publications. However, the University does seek a licence to use a student’s copyright material for teaching and ongoing research.

By assigning IP to the University, UQ takes on responsibility for protecting the IP, including bearing the costs of patenting and other IP protection, as well as facilitating development and commercialisation.

Further information in this regard can be obtained from Ms Annita Nugent on (61-7) 3346 9981 or a.nugent@uniquest.uq.edu.au

• The Jack Pettigrew PhD Scholarship in Neuroscience ($25,000 p.a. tax-free and indexed annually for up to 3.5 years) *

• The Deborah Kelly PhD Scholarship * in Neuroscience ($25,000 p.a. tax-free and indexed annually for up to 3.5 years)

• The Gregg Thompson PhD Scholarship in Neuroscience and Nanomaterials ($25,000 p.a. tax-free and indexed annually for up to 3.5 years) *

* Applications for this scholarship in 2008 are now closed.

For advice concerning scholarships, please contact Dr Sylvie Pichelin on (61-7) 3346 6399 or s.pichelin@uq.edu.au.