ACES
Do you want to do Materials Research in one of the most exciting research environments in the world?
If you’re looking for a PhD in materials, focusing on energy or health, your future starts here....
About IPRI
At the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) opportunities exist for students to become part of a unique research training environment to carry out research on materials to be used for:
Bionic implants such as conduits for spinal cord repair and muscle regeneration
Solar energy conversion such as solar cells and water splitting
Energy storage systems such as polymer batteries and artificial muscles

Internationally recognised as a leader in electromaterials research, the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) is housed in the state-of-the-art AIIM Facility at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus. The AIIM Facility is also the home of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) of which IPRI is the lead partner.
Our Strengths
Our PEOPLE - At IPRI you have the opportunity to work with some of the most dynamic researchers in the world in a supportive, talented team environment - researchers driven by a desire to invent and explore new materials.
Our state-of-the-art FACILITIES include material synthesis, characterisation and fabrication laboratories containing equipment such as MALDI mass and 400 MHz NMR spectrometers, extensive electrochemical characterisation tools including an electrochemical surface mapping facility, Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis/NIR spectrometers, an extensive range of chromatography equipment, AFM and SEM microscopes and a wide variety of device fabrication and characterisation tools.
Our friendly, relaxed and open working ENVIRONMENT
Our world-class RESEARCH programs focus on ELECTROMATERIALS for ENERGY and BIONICS.

A head start to your career
PAST PhD students are excelling in their chosen field and look back fondly at their time at IPRI and how it has helped them in their career.
“The multidiscipline research and exposure to world wide academics back in IPRI have provided me project management skills, initiation of new project and product and independent problem solving skills. More importantly, it provided a rare opportunity on how to conduct training, team building, coordination and communication with others.”
Dr Dezhi Zhou, Senior Technologist, Industrial Finish, Akzo Nobel, China (1997 IPRI PhD graduate)
Scholarships
A number of Research SCHOLARSHIPS are available to assist students with the cost of study through the University of Wollongong (UOW).
DOMESTIC STUDENTSIPRI offers: Summer Scholarships - two scholarships available in conjunction with the Wollongong Science Centre to develop aspects of a Nanotechnology Energy Exhibit Honours Scholarships - including the Bill Wheeler Award PhD Scholarships - including
IPRI also offers a number of top-up scholarships (up to $10,000 per annum) for exceptional candidates in the following areas:
Opportunities also exist, to be based within ACES, to undertake postgraduate studies in the ethical issues arising from these research areas.
| INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSThe opportunity to study abroad, in a world-class University! Visit the University of Wollongong International Students webpage HDR ScholarshipsResearch Scholarship Opportunities: find out about Research Scholarships available at the University of Wollongong All International Scholarship Opportunities: all international scholarships available at the University of Wollongong |
Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to work with other world leaders in the field by spending up to six months carrying out research with one of our CSIRO or international collaborators in Ireland, Italy, USA, Japan or France. Travel bursaries will be available to cover travel costs.
Want to know more?
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, APPLICATIONS, CLOSING DATES, COSTS, SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES, AND LIVING AT UOW: uniadvice@uow.edu.au or phone 1300 367 869
- UOW POSTGRADUATE STUDY GUIDE: www.uow.edu.au/future/postgrad
- IPRI: www.uow.edu.au/science/research/ipri
- ACES: www.electromaterials.edu.au
How to Apply
You should actively involve IPRI in your research application:
- STEP 1 – Approach a supervisor at IPRI to discuss your project prior to applying for admission
- STEP 2 – Select a research topic
- STEP 3 – Apply for Admission to UOW
- STEP 4 – Apply for a Scholarship (if applicable): www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/student/scholarships
To discuss a potential research project with ACES/IPRI, contact
Professor Gordon Wallace
Executive Research Director
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science
Intelligent Polymer Research Institute,
University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
Email: gwallace@uow.edu.au
Ph: +61 (2) 4221 3127
Fax: +61 (2) 4221 3114












