QUT offers a diverse range of student topics for Honours, Masters and PhD study. Search to find a topic that interests you or propose your own research topic to a prospective QUT supervisor. You may also ask a prospective supervisor to help you identify or refine a research topic.
Found 631 matching student topics
Displaying 229–240 of 631 results
Leveraging AI-driven cognitive computing for energy systems innovation
The transition toward a more sustainable energy system is generating vast volumes of data from distributed sources such as smart meters, energy sensors, and user-end devices. Energy informatics highlights the crucial role of information systems in optimising both energy supply and demand (Watson et al., 2010). In this project, we explore how cognitive computing systems (CCS), integrating artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive psychology, and neurobiology, can strategically transform energy informatics by creating adaptive, explainable, and human-aligned energy solutions.Leveraging advances in CCS …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- School
- School of Information Systems
- Research centre(s)
-
Energy Transition Centre
Intergenerational responsibility of the sustainable energy transition: rethinking socio-technical systems through Indigenous knowledge
As the global community works to limit global warming to 1.5°C, accelerating the transition to sustainable energy systems remains a pressing challenge (IPCC, 2023). This transition is not only technical but deeply social, with intergenerational equity emerging as a critical concern. Decisions made today regarding infrastructure, resource use, and system design will have lasting consequences for future generations (UN, 2021). Indigenous knowledge systems, which emphasise long-term stewardship and relational accountability, offer valuable insights into rethinking socio-technical systems for sustainable futures …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- School
- School of Information Systems
- Research centre(s)
-
Energy Transition Centre
Understanding trust in renewable energy in online communities
The challenge to keep global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels has become even greater due to a continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2023). One major challenge is the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy to reduce emissions (Gholami et al., 2016). The share of renewable energy in electricity generation has increased to 28.3%, however, an acceleration of the pace of the transition is required to limit global temperature rise (REN21, 2022).Due to the contingencies and dynamics …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- School
- School of Information Systems
- Research centre(s)
-
Energy Transition Centre
Novel tricuspid valve design and heart pump
Without proper treatment, patients with tricuspid valve regurgitation are at high risk for developing lethal complications, including heart failure or atrial fibrillation (AFib), and disorder heart's rhythm. Currently, open chest surgery is commonly performed to address tricuspid regurgitation. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an alternative approach involving the design of a transcatheter tricuspid valve. This valve is intended to be inserted through minimally invasive techniques, potentially eliminating the need for open chest surgery.This project aims to validate the …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering
- School
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering
- Research centre(s)
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies
Psycholinguistics and the neurobiology of language
Language is essential for human communication. However, there is still a lack of clarity about how the brain attains language. This knowledge is critical for understanding both healthy and disordered language production and comprehension (aphasia). Hence, there is a need for further exploration using psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic (neuroimaging, electrophysiology and brain stimulation) techniques.
- Study level
- PhD
- Faculty
- Faculty of Health
- School
- School of Psychology and Counselling
Real-time control of nature-based solutions for multi-benefit water management
Nature-based solutions (NBS) such as wetlands, green roofs, and bioswales, are critical for sustainable urban water management. However, their benefits (flood mitigation, water quality improvement, biodiversity support) are often siloed or under-optimised.This PhD project will pioneer adaptive, real-time control strategies for NBS to maximise their environmental, social, and economic co-benefits. The research integrates sensor data, predictive modeling, and smart control systems to dynamically adjust NBS operations in response to weather, pollution events, and community needs.This project merges cutting-edge technology with …
- Study level
- PhD
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering
- School
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Sensor network optimisation for illicit discharge detection in stormwater systems
Illicit discharges into stormwater networks threaten waterways, but current detection methods are often inefficient. This project develops a smart sensor network to identify and locate pollution sources in real time. The PhD will focus on:optimal sensor placement: algorithms for location, type, and density selectionreal-time alarm systems: fast, reliable detection to trigger inspections or robotic trackingscalability: cost-effective strategies for city-wide deployment.
- Study level
- PhD
- Faculty
- Faculty of Engineering
- School
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Advancing humanoid robots: exploring materials and design for enhanced aesthetics and emotional connection
Humanoid robots are increasingly being developed for a variety of applications including healthcare, customer service, and industrial automation. However, their effectiveness depends not only on their artificial intelligence, technical capabilities, functionality and efficiency but also on the design and application of exterior materials for enhanced interaction with humans. This research aims to investigate how the application of colour, materials, and form (CMF) and other concepts of wearable fashion and innovative design can improve the aesthetics, perception, emotional connection and overall …
- Study level
- PhD
- Faculty
- Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice
- School
- School of Design
- Research centre(s)
- QUT Design Lab
Design Lab
Nudging better financial habits in young adults through digital cues
In the context of a growing cost of living crisis, many young adults are experiencing financial stress while navigating key life transitions such as starting university, moving out of home, or entering the workforce. These transitional periods present valuable but often missed opportunities to engage young people with tools and strategies that build long-term financial capability. Behaviourally-informed digital interventions - such as timely nudges and relatable role model messages - may help support better financial habits and confidence during these …
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Business and Law
- School
- School of Accountancy
Improving safety behaviours for respirable crystalline silica in construction work
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a major health and safety concern, particularly in construction work processes. This project is aimed at understanding employer compliance implications and employee risk perceptions, attitudes, and safety behaviours towards the control measures used in workplaces to help minimise risk related to RCS. The overall intention of the project is to help ensure effective compliance is maintained when managing RCS in the workplace and to prevent silicosis in workers.
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Business and Law
- School
- School of Management
Understanding psychosocial factors for addressing mental health concerns in the construction industry
Construction workers are at an increased risk of suicide and experience higher rates of poor psychological health. This research investigates the many psychosocial factors that can contribute to worker psychological (and general) wellbeing. This includes social support, social capital, personal networks, work-related conditions, and work-life-balance. Managing the psychosocial wellbeing of workers is as critical to addressing physical risks associated with construction work.
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours
- Faculty
- Faculty of Business and Law
- School
- School of Management
Critical evaluation of Star Formation Rate estimators in galaxies
This project aims to assess the reliability, accuracy, and limitations of various Star Formation Rate (SFR) estimators used in extragalactic astronomy. By leveraging multi-wavelength data from the ZFOURGE survey, the project will explore how well SFR indicators derived from UV, optical (Hα), infrared (IR), and radio observations compare to SED-fitted SFRs from CIGALE. The project will focus on understanding discrepancies, particularly in dusty star-forming galaxies and AGN hosts, and provide recommendations for improving SFR estimates in future research.
- Study level
- PhD, Master of Philosophy
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- School
- School of Chemistry and Physics
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