Analytics for the Australian Grain Industry (AAGI) PhD Scholarships
Are you passionate about driving agricultural innovation through
advanced computing, data science or mathematical modelling?
The Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry (AAGI) is offering three fully funded PhD scholarships at the University of Adelaide.These projects tackle real-world challenges in genomics, pest control and predictive modelling, using cutting -edge research and interdisciplinary approaches.
In 2025, three exciting PhD opportunities are available through the AAGI initiative.
We invite applications for the following research projects:
- Unifying on-farm data and crop models to enhance tactical crop decisions
Despite the increasing availability of on-farm data and advances in process-based crop models such as APSIM, their integration often remains limited. This project aims to formally integrate these data streams and models using advanced mathematical techniques to improve nitrogen and water use efficiency in Australian cropping systems.
You will explore emerging approaches in uncertainty quantification, data assimilation, optimisation under uncertainty and physics-informed machine learning to inform nitrogen management decisions (how much and when to apply) addressing one of the largest contributors to the gap in water-limited production potential. This project contributes to the broader AAGI initiative “Harnessing emerging data science to unlock crop model potential and achieve production frontiers.”
Who should apply: Candidates with strong quantitative skills and backgrounds in Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural or Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Management or Information Technology.
Supervisor: Dr Matthew Knowling
matthew.knowling@adelaide.edu.au
- Efficient construction and visualization of pangenomes for crops with large genomes
Crop genomes are vast, complex and highly variable, especially in key grain species. This project tackles one of the most ambitious challenges in agricultural genomics: developing scalable computational methods to assemble pangenomes that capture the full genetic diversity of these crops. You will design and implement novel algorithms and data pipelines to manage and analyse large-scale genomic datasets, applying advanced computing to a problem with direct, real-world impact. Your research will help unlock new insights into crop resilience, yield and adaptation. These outcomes will deliver tangible benefits for Australian grain growers.
You will work within a vibrant analytics team delivering technologies back to the Australian grains industry, with collaborative opportunities through Curtin University and the University of Western Australia.
Who should apply: Candidates with strong Java programming skills and backgrounds in Computer and Data Science, Applied Mathematics or Statistics.
Supervisor: Dr Mario Fruzangohar
- Developing data-informed mathematical models for locust hopper band movement to improve control measures
Effective control of locust outbreaks relies on early detection and monitoring of locust hopper bands before flying swarms form. This project focuses on modelling the collective movement of locust hopper bands, incorporating individual animal characteristics such as hunger and epigenetic phase, and resource distribution like food and water.
You will use field and laboratory observations to tune model parameters and validate predictive efficacy, applying techniques from data science and mathematical modelling. The goal is to develop strategies for optimal application of barrier treatment using biopesticides, reducing environmental impact and cost. This project is part of the national AAGI initiative, offering extended collaborative opportunities and professional development.
Who should apply: Candidates with strong quantitative skills and backgrounds in Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. Familiarity with PDEs, numerical analysis or statistics is an advantage.
Supervisor: Associate Professor Edward Green
What you need to know
Three fully funded PhD scholarships are available for 2025 at the University of Adelaide, offering the chance to tackle urgent challenges in genomics, pest control and predictive modelling with direct impact on Australia’s grain industry. Based at the Waite campus, home to world-class research facilities and a thriving agricultural science community, successful candidates will work alongside leading experts using advanced tools to develop innovative solutions. Each scholarship provides a stipend of $35,300 AUD per year (indexed annually) and is supported by a $56 million strategic partnership involving the University of Adelaide, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Curtin University and The University of Queensland.
Key benefits
- Collaborate with leading experts in genomics, bioinformatics and data science
- Access state-of-the-art research facilities at the University of Adelaide
- Contribute to real-world solutions for the grains industry and global food security
Applications are now open. To learn more, visit the University of Adelaide Scholarships page and Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry (AAGI) website.
Let’s advance agriculture together. Your journey starts here.