Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW)

This interdisciplinary PhD scholarship at Monash University offers a unique opportunity to advance research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, social sciences, and gender studies. The project, 'AI Detection of Misogynistic Backlash Ecosystems,' aims to develop computational approaches for detecting and analysing misogynistic discourse and coordinated harassment across social media and online platforms. Leveraging natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs), machine learning, and network analysis, the research will identify and examine extremist misogyny, anti-gender equality mobilisation, and violence-supportive narratives as they emerge and spread in digital environments.

Key research questions include: How can AI systems reliably identify implicit and evolving forms of misogynistic discourse beyond explicit hate speech? What computational measures can be developed to detect misogyny, benevolent sexism, violence-supportive attitudes, and coordinated harassment at scale? How can benchmark datasets be constructed to support robust and explainable AI models for online safety research? How do misogynistic narratives and communities spread across platforms and respond to social and political events?

The project is particularly suited to candidates with backgrounds in computer science, information technology, statistics, mathematics, computational linguistics, or data science. Experience in NLP, machine learning, LLMs, network analysis, social network analysis, computational social science, social media analytics, or large-scale text analysis is highly desirable. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and a commitment to addressing complex social harms and insecurity.

This PhD scholarship is based within the Faculties of Information Technology and Arts at Monash University, Australia's largest university and a global leader in research. The successful candidate will be housed within the Monash AI Institute (MAI) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), both renowned for their pioneering, data-driven, and impact-focused research. MAI is a premier hub for AI and data science, emphasising responsible, ethical, and human-centred AI, and fostering collaboration with industry, government, and international partners. CEVAW is the world’s first centre dedicated to tackling the full range of violence against women in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, bringing together experts across legal, security, economic, health, and political systems.

The project will be supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team, including Professor Reza Haffari, Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professors Jacqui True and Asher Flynn, Dr Trang Vu, and Dr Katie Buchhorn. Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Applicants who already hold a PhD are not eligible.

The scholarship provides a Research Living Allowance of $37,145AUD per annum (tax-free stipend, indexed) plus a CEVAW Top-up scholarship of $10,000AUD per annum (non-indexed), as well as allowances as per RTP stipend scholarship conditions. The expected enrolment date is by 1 March 2027, with preference for commencement in late 2026. The application deadline is 10 August 2026.

To apply, candidates must first contact Dr Katie Buchhorn to discuss their interest and research proposal. Applications should include a cover letter, brief research proposal, CV, academic records, English language proficiency test results (if applicable), and contact details of two academic referees. After discussion, applications are submitted via the My.App portal, selecting 'Admission Only' and indicating the CEVAW PhD Scholarship. Applications submitted without prior contact with the lead supervisor may not be considered.

For further information on eligibility and application requirements, visit the Monash University graduate research and scholarship policy pages. This opportunity supports a diverse workforce and aims to make a significant global impact in the elimination of violence against women.