Summary
The Deakin-Bayreuth Cotutelle Scholarship supports a full-time PhD candidate conducting joint doctoral research between Deakin University in Australia and the University of Bayreuth in Germany. The project focuses on researching shape-changing fiber-based architectures created via nonplanar additive manufacturing.
Fully Funded Joint PhD: Shape-Changing Materials & 4D Printing (Australia & Germany), Deakin University, Germany
Designation
PhD Candidate / Graduate Researcher (Joint PhD / Cotutelle Program)
Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Deakin-Bayreuth Cotutelle – Shape-changing fiber-based architectures via nonplanar additive manufacturing |
| Host Institutions | Deakin University (Australia) & University of Bayreuth (Germany) |
| Stipend | $37,450 per annum (tax-exempt, 2026 rate) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Primary Supervisor | Dr Ali Zolfagharian (Deakin University) |
| Additional Supervisor | Prof Leonid Ionov (University of Bayreuth) |
| Faculty & School | School of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| International Support | Full tuition fee waiver (up to 4 years), single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and ~$3,000 travel allowance |
Research Area
Nonplanar 4D printing and computational modeling of programmable, shape-changing fiber architectures.
- Additive Manufacturing & 4D Printing: Fabrication of fiber-reinforced composites using nonplanar, rotary, and robotic manufacturing.
- Smart & Adaptive Structures: Co-designing material anisotropy and structural geometry for programmable morphing behaviour.
- Computational Modeling: Developing predictive modeling frameworks linking deposition strategies and fiber alignment to functional performance.
Location
- Deakin University: Waurn Ponds Campus, Victoria, Australia
- University of Bayreuth: Bayreuth, Germany
Note: Candidate must spend at least 12 months of the total program period at the University of Bayreuth.
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for this position, applicants must:
- Be a domestic or international candidate (domestic includes Australian Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents, or New Zealand Citizens).
- Meet the PhD entry requirements for both Deakin University and the University of Bayreuth, including H1 (First Class Honours) or H1 equivalence and English language proficiency criteria.
- Enrol on a full-time basis.
- Be able to physically relocate to both Deakin University (Australia) and the University of Bayreuth (Germany).
Scholarship Description
Current fiber-reinforced shape-changing systems are largely limited to planar fabrication approaches, restricting geometric complexity and functional scalability. This joint PhD project bridges material programmability with nonplanar additive manufacturing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Integrating fiber-reinforced material capabilities with conformal deposition and spatial geometry control.
- Fabricating curved, tubular, and thin-walled structures with high geometric fidelity and programmable toolpaths.
- Developing predictive frameworks to guide process parameters for functional actuators, soft robotics, and adaptive biomedical structures.
How to Apply
- Initial Contact: Email primary supervisor Dr Ali Zolfagharian to discuss the project and submit academic transcripts.
- Deakin Application: Upon review and invitation by Deakin University, submit a formal application.
- University of Bayreuth Application: If successful, submit a separate PhD application to the University of Bayreuth via their application portal.
Last Date for Apply
Open until filled (Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed).
