The opportunities and challenges of AI for improving environmental performance

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing our modern economy and daily lives. Recent advances in natural language processing (NLP) have created exciting opportunities to rapidly analyse large volumes of unstructured data. However, the data centres required to support these systems can be accompanied by negative environmental impacts, particularly in relation to water use. This project will have two interrelated components: (1) quantify the water use associated with the expansion of AI datacentres in the Australian context and examine strategies for improving water use efficiency, (2) refine and validate NLP tools to analyse public datasets associated with the sustainability performance of major industrial sectors. In doing so, the work will seek to address the environmental challenges associated with this important emerging sector while also examining the opportunity for NLP to make a positive contribution to sustainability. The successful applicant will have an interest in working across disciplines and building a diverse skillset in water accounting, systems modelling, and data science.

The successful applicant will join an interdisciplinary research team led by Dr Nadja Kunz (she/her).

The project will be implemented in an advanced, well-equipped and supportive research environment within the School of Chemical Engineering (ranked #1 in Australia for chemical engineering). They will be based in the modern and recently built Liveris Building, where they will have an opportunity to work with a diverse student body.

In addition to the typical support by the Scholarship, the prospective student will also be supported by additional funding to undertake professional development activities, such as conferences. Virtual and potentially in-person academic exchanges with international collaborators are also anticipated, including with researchers at The University of British Columbia in Canada, where Dr Kunz was previously based.

These excellent financial, intellectual and material resources offer exclusive support to the prospective student to excel in their academic work and enable their career aspirations.

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 water accounting, systems modelling, and data science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

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

A background or knowledge of natural language processing, Excel, Matlab, R, or other coding experience is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 1 December, 2025 1 December, 2025.

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 Dr Nadja Kunz (n.kunz@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: AI-KUNZ
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/opportunities-and-challenges-ai-improving-environmental-performance

Submit an EOI