USYD-UofG Collaborative PhD Scholarship

This collaborative PhD scholarship between the University of Sydney and the University of Glasgow offers a unique opportunity to advance responsible artificial intelligence for actionable homelessness intervention across welfare regimes. The project addresses a critical gap in current AI applications for homelessness services, moving beyond risk prediction to develop algorithms that generate actionable, feasible intervention recommendations. By modelling interaction effects between interventions and providing optimal combinations under operational constraints, the research aims to improve housing stability outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The methodological innovation includes a cross-national comparative framework, testing the approach in both Australia's liberal welfare regime and the United Kingdom's social welfare model. The project embeds responsible AI principles such as interaction modelling, uncertainty quantification, and equity auditing to ensure recommendations are reliable and equitable. Participatory co-design with service providers ensures that algorithmic solutions are grounded in operational realities and community values.

The research is hosted by the University of Sydney Business School, renowned for its expertise in data science, analytics, and computational social science, and the Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow, which is internationally recognised for management science and decision-making under uncertainty. The supervisory teams bring deep expertise in AI, algorithm development, and societal applications of data analytics.

Eligibility requirements include a First Class Honours degree or a Master's by Research with outstanding results (at least 80%), completion of a substantial thesis, and strong quantitative skills in programming (Python preferred), statistical modelling, and machine learning. Candidates must be able to enroll in PhD programmes at both institutions, study full-time, and spend time physically based at each university during the programme. Experience in explainable AI is advantageous but not mandatory.

The scholarship provides generous funding: an annual stipend of $AUD 42,754 (2026 rate), tuition fee coverage for both institutions, and a one-off travel scholarship of $5000 AUD. The University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences also offers a tuition fee waiver for the UofG PhD programme. The successful candidate will spend years one and three at the University of Sydney and year two at the University of Glasgow, benefiting from a rich cross-disciplinary and cross-national research environment.

Applications are open until April 21, 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the FindAPhD project link, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met and required documents are prepared. This position is ideal for candidates passionate about AI, quantitative research, and social impact in homelessness intervention.