Integrating external wall systems into the fire safety strategy

The ability to design for fire safety is contingent on the development of a comprehensive Fire Safety Strategy. The addition of combustible elements in exterior wall systems present a potential risk for vertical fire spread as seen in the plethora of cladding related fires internationally. 
As technology continues to develop, there will be a continuous need for exterior wall systems that can deliver both fire safety performance and a range of other design conditions (e.g., thermal performance). As such, the design of exterior wall systems must be holistically integrated into the fire safety strategy for building design. 
The fire safety strategy is the ensemble of elements in a fire safety design along with the narrative to harmonise each system component to create a cohesive approach for fire safety. 
This includes intentionality in design to explicitly account for how multiple elements of the building affect the overall goals for safety (e.g., how the EWS influences the egress strategy for the building).

The project will be carried out in the fire safety engineering group in the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland (UQ Fire). The candidate will have access to all of the experimental and other resources of the group, and the support of a project funded by the Australian Research Council in collaboration with a range of international partners.

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 fire engineering would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of civil engineering, fire safety engineering, and fire science, and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of fire science, fire engineering, and flammability is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 3 April, 2026 3 April, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor David Lange (d.lange@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: FIRESAFETY-LANGE
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/integrating-external-wall-systems-fire-safety-strategy

Submit an EOI