Discovering a Premier PhD Scholarship in Cognitive Health Research

Bond University on the Gold Coast is opening doors for ambitious researchers through a fully funded PhD scholarship in the Faculty of Society & Design. This opportunity centers on pioneering digital tools to monitor and support cognitive health among ageing populations. Aspiring scholars with a background in psychology or related fields can contribute to an international project blending artificial intelligence, mobile technology, and clinical outcomes. Set to commence in September 2026, this position offers not just financial support but immersion in a vibrant research ecosystem tailored for real-world impact.

The project targets the development and validation of an AI-enabled mobile platform designed for everyday cognitive health monitoring. Participants, particularly community-dwelling older adults, will engage with the tool to track markers of cognitive impairment, social isolation, depression, anxiety, well-being, and functional independence. This aligns with pressing global challenges, as Australia anticipates over 446,500 individuals living with dementia by 2026, a number projected to more than double without intervention.

Bond University: A Hub for Innovative Higher Education in Australia

Established as Australia's first private not-for-profit university, Bond University stands out for its accelerated learning model and stunning Gold Coast location. Consistently ranked number one in Australia for student experience and learner engagement, it fosters a supportive environment where PhD candidates thrive. The campus in Robina boasts world-class facilities, including the Society & Design Precinct with sustainable architecture, fabrication labs, and human experimental laboratories.

Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs at Bond, such as the Doctor of Philosophy, span up to four years full-time and emphasize practical, industry-linked outcomes. PhD students benefit from small cohorts, personalized supervision, and access to international collaborations. Gold Coast student life enhances this with year-round beaches, networking events, and a laid-back yet ambitious vibe that promotes work-life balance during intensive research.

Inside the Faculty of Society & Design: Multidisciplinary Excellence

The Faculty of Society & Design explores human behavior, communication, and sustainable environments through schools like Psychology, Architecture, and Communication. Its research profile spans mental and social health, cognitive neuropsychology, and innovative technologies. Key facilities include the MIND/SPACE Laboratory in the School of Psychology, which employs electroencephalography, virtual reality, and machine learning to study spatial navigation, cognitive ageing, and environmental influences on cognition.

Research groups such as Mental, Social and Health investigate resilience, equity, and social determinants, perfectly suiting this PhD's focus. The faculty supports HDR students via collaborative spaces, workshops, and events like the Architecture Lecture Series. Many academics, including those in psychology, actively supervise PhD candidates, creating a nurturing pathway from proposal to thesis.

Unpacking the Research Project: AI and Cognitive Health in Ageing

🧠 This PhD delves into a translational digital health study, developing an AI-powered mobile app for passive cognitive monitoring in real-life settings. The platform will validate digital measures against clinical benchmarks, examining links to psychosocial factors like social engagement and mental health. Large-scale deployments are planned for 2027 in Singapore, with Australian cohorts, under the Future Health Technologies initiative involving Bond, Singapore-ETH Centre, National University of Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University.

Daily activities, such as walking patterns analyzed via apps, could signal early dementia—research from Bond psychologists highlights this potential. In Australia, where digital health adoption among 55-74-year-olds is high but drops over 75, such tools bridge gaps in early detection amid rising cognitive decline rates.

Meet the Supervisors: Expertise Driving the Project

Primary supervisor Dr. Victor R. Schinazi leads with expertise in spatial cognition, neuroscience, and urban health. His work combines lab experiments and real-world data, earning over 2,800 citations. Affiliated with the MIND/SPACE Lab, he explores navigation deficits in cognitive impairment and evidence-based design.

Co-supervisor Dr. Peter Norton brings clinical depth in transdiagnostic anxiety treatments, editing top journals like Clinical Psychology Review. Their combined guidance ensures rigorous psychosocial and clinical integration. Learn more about Dr. Schinazi's profile.

Eligibility and Essential Qualifications

Candidates need a First-Class Honours degree or Master's in Psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, health science, public health, gerontology, or human factors. Strong quantitative skills in R or SPSS, experience with human participant research, and interpersonal abilities for older adult engagement are crucial. Preferences include clinical assessments, longitudinal studies, or digital health tools.

• Motivation for ageing, mental health, or dementia risk research
• Independent yet collaborative mindset
• Professional maturity for multidisciplinary teams

International applicants qualify with English proficiency and visa readiness.

Generous Scholarship Package and Benefits

This fully funded role includes a tax-free stipend of $34,315 annually for three years (indexed), 100% tuition waiver for four years, Overseas Student Health Cover for internationals, and a $12,000 project budget. Beyond finances, benefits encompass campus-based work, international travel, and embedding in cutting-edge labs.

Bond's HDR scholarships like the Postgraduate Research Scholarship complement this, prioritizing excellence.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applications open rolling from May 15, 2026, closing July 31, 2026. Email Dr. Schinazi (victor_schinazi@bond.edu.au) with CV, transcripts, cover letter outlining interests, and three referees. Successful initial reviews lead to formal EOI via Bond's portal, followed by a detailed proposal.

1. Prepare documents highlighting research fit
2. Secure referee commitments
3. Submit EOI 10 weeks pre-start
4. Await 6-10 week review

Tips: Tailor cover letters to cognitive ageing passion, contact supervisors early, and showcase stats experience. Bond's HDR application guide details more.

Thriving Research Environment and Collaborations

Bond's PhD community enjoys high completion rates, around 80% nationally for HDR, bolstered by dedicated spaces and mentorship. The Gold Coast offers affordable living, beaches, and proximity to Brisbane. International ties, like Singapore deployments, provide global exposure. Faculty events foster networking, while psychology clinic hands-on experience builds skills.

Career Horizons Post-PhD

Graduates enter booming fields: academia, clinical psychology, digital health industry, or policy. In Australia, psychology PhDs command roles in research institutes, tech firms developing apps like BrainTrack, or aged care innovation. With dementia projections soaring, experts in AI-cognitive tools are in demand, offering salaries from $100,000+ in senior positions. Bond's employability ranking #1 aids transitions.

The Bigger Picture: Addressing Australia's Ageing Crisis

Australia's population ages rapidly, with 16 dementia cases per 1,000 over 65 annually. Digital solutions like mobile monitoring promise early intervention, reducing healthcare burdens. This PhD contributes to equitable mental health, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Trends show high app usability among seniors, paving for scalable platforms.

Explore faculty research strengths.

Future Outlook and Why Apply Now

As digital health evolves, this PhD positions candidates at the forefront. Bond's innovative culture, stellar supervisors, and comprehensive support make it ideal for impactful careers. Applications reviewed rolling—seize this chance to shape cognitive health futures.