Behind every research breakthrough is a curious mind. But what’s behind that mind? It’s usually a collaborative team – often made of multidisciplinary PhD supervisors – empowering that researcher to thrive and driving their discoveries forward.
At UQ, candidates in our collaborative PhD programs are encouraged to go beyond traditional academic silos. These interdisciplinary PhD pathways connect diverse supervisors, research partners, and community stakeholders, helping students tackle complex challenges from multiple angles.
So, what makes a PhD collaborative?
A collaborative PhD at UQ means combining multidisciplinary mentors, exploring ideas across disciplines, and accessing world-class facilities throughout the university – not just those tied to a single field of study.
Our candidates embrace the concept of a collaborative PhD in their own unique ways, but this typically involves:
- multidisciplinary PhD supervisors – think behavioural economists teaming up with psychologists, linguistics scholars working alongside experts in Indigenous metaphysics, or environmental lawyers collaborating with conservation scientists on the same project
- world-class research facilities – from cutting-edge laboratories to deep knowledge centres, UQ offers tools and support for almost any type of research
- placements and fieldwork – whether in a hospital lab, a remote field site, or an international policy organisation, our PhD students gain hands-on experience across Australia and the world.
But don’t just take our word for it.
Explore some of our candidates’ inspiring research stories below to see how they’re using PhD collaboration to make breakthrough discoveries.
Aakash: understanding the psychology of giving
Aakash Kurian Thottam’s PhD explores the complex psychology behind why people give to charity, combining insights from psychology and marketing. His research aims to uncover the factors that motivate generosity, ultimately helping nonprofits better connect with today’s donors.
"UQ provided the space to explore questions that sit between disciplines, which was essential for my research."
Learn about Aakash’s collaborative PhD
Beatris: mapping epidemics to protect public health
Beatris Mario Martin’s PhD uses spatial epidemiology and data science to understand how diseases like COVID-19 and leptospirosis spread in the Dominican Republic. Her research aims to inform targeted public health interventions and improve disease control.
"Being part of a multidisciplinary team created a robust project with multiple perspectives."
Learn about Beatris’s multidisciplinary PhD
Chiemeka: cost-effective treatment for brain disorders
Chiemeka Chinaka’s PhD combines neurology and health economics to find cost-effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease. His research uses real data and economic modelling to improve patient care and help healthcare systems make smarter decisions.
"The collaborative nature of my supervisory team enriched my training with key transferable skills."
Learn about Chiemeka’s interdisciplinary PhD
Dylan: breathing new life into a living Indigenous language
Dylan Berger’s PhD explores the deep relationship between the Gumbaynggirr language and its people, blending Indigenous metaphysics with linguistics. His research aims to support language revitalisation and strengthen connections to Country, culture, and community.
"My multidisciplinary supervisory team helped me actualise a research project I can take pride in."
Learn about Dylan’s collaborative PhD
Renee: exploring how ‘jumping genes’ disrupt early development
Renee Chu’s PhD investigates how ‘jumping genes’ (transposable elements) disrupt early germ cell development, potentially affecting fertility and miscarriage. Her research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control these genes and their impact on genome stability during critical developmental stages, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of reproductive health.
"Working within a multidisciplinary environment has provided a more holistic understanding of my research."
Learn about Renee’s multidisciplinary PhD
Rose: changing laws to protect coastal ecosystems
Rose Foster’s PhD focuses on overcoming legal and policy barriers to protect seascapes such as Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef. Driven by a passion for climate action and interdisciplinary collaboration, she aims to make restoration efforts more effective, with the hope of contributing to a more sustainable future.
"Researching at UQ feels like being part of a community."
Learn about Rose’s interdisciplinary PhD
Yufan: influencing young tourists to stay safe
Yufan Liu is researching how social media influencers shape young tourists’ perceptions of destinations and their risky behaviours. By combining behavioural science with psychophysiological methods like biosensors, she measures real-time emotional responses to travel content to understand why some places are seen as playgrounds for unsafe activities.
"UQ's collaborative environment has given me access to cutting-edge resources for experimental research."
Learn about Yufan’s collaborative PhD
Ready to start your own collaborative PhD?
