Distil Data for Cost-Efficient Recommender Systems

This project aims to tackle the resource-consuming nature of current recommender systems by innovating data distillation methodologies for these systems. It expects to generate new knowledge in the intersection of data-centric AI and recommender systems.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment at UQ, working within the RBDI group that specializes in machine learning, data science and recommender systems. The group maintains strong ties with both academia and industry, providing a collaborative environment with ample opportunities for interdisciplinary work. The candidate will have access to high-performance computing clusters and workstations. Regular seminars, workshops, and reading groups are held to foster academic growth, while collaboration with researchers in related fields ensures exposure to diverse perspectives. The research environment is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive atmosphere for all researchers.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of machine learning frameworks and recommender systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of computer science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of recommender systems, large language models and graph machine learning is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Junliang Yu (jl.yu@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 28 September, 2025 28 September, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter RECOMMENDER-YU.

Apply now