Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES)

This PhD project at Monash University Malaysia tackles the urgent environmental challenge posed by single-use plastic waste, especially in food packaging and cutlery. Malaysia generates abundant oil palm biomass, particularly empty fruit bunches (EFB), yet its potential for conversion into biodegradable materials is largely untapped. The research aims to develop a fully compostable biocomposite using polylactic acid (PLA), oil palm EFB-derived cellulose, and clay, targeting the creation of eco-friendly cutlery and food packaging alternatives.

Students will synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the biocomposite materials for mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. The project offers hands-on opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, providing practical experience and facilitating knowledge transfer for potential industrial adoption and sustainable commercialization. Research areas include biotechnology, microbiology, applied chemistry, environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology, and polymers.

The Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship (GRES) is available for successful applicants, offering a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend for up to 3 years 6 months. To be eligible, candidates must hold a First Class Honours (H1) degree or its equivalent (H1E) recognized by Monash University Malaysia and meet English language requirements. The project is supervised by Associate Professor Pushpamalar Janarthanan, with Dr. Ang Chee Wei and Professor Wu Ta Yeong as associate supervisors.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the main supervisor with their academic background and achievements to determine suitability for the research topic. If a good fit, applications should be submitted via the provided link, referencing the advertised research topic. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2026. For further details, consult the application submission guide and university website.