The Investigating Host–Guest Interactions in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) PhD Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholarship offered by UNSW Sydney. Hosted by the School of Chemistry, the project investigates how host–guest interactions influence the structure, behaviour, and performance of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications in gas storage, gas separation, and catalysis. Successful applicants receive an annual living stipend of AUD 37,684 (2024 rate) for 3.5 years, while eligible international candidates also receive a Tuition Fee Scholarship. Two PhD scholarships are available for this research project.
About the Investigating Host-Guest Interactions in Metal-Organic Frameworks PhD Scholarship
UNSW Sydney offers this PhD scholarship through the Macreadie Research Group, an inorganic chemistry research team that combines fundamental inorganic chemistry with supramolecular chemistry to develop advanced metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The project investigates how interactions between porous MOFs (hosts) and guest molecules influence material properties and performance.
Researchers aim to achieve sub-angstrom control of pore environments by developing 3D-linker metal-organic frameworks (3DL-MOFs). Compared with conventional MOFs, these structures provide additional sites for host–guest interactions, making them attractive for gas capture, molecular separation, and catalytic applications. Students investigate gas adsorption, structural responses to temperature and pressure, and catalytic behaviour while contributing to the design of next-generation porous materials.
The project includes a strong international collaborative component involving research groups from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Participants also conduct advanced structural studies at the Australian Synchrotron, gaining experience with world-class research infrastructure.
Why Choose The Investigating Host-Guest Interactions in Metal-Organic Frameworks PhD Scholarship?
This scholarship provides an opportunity to conduct internationally recognised research in advanced porous materials and coordination chemistry.
You benefit from:
- Fully funded doctoral research
- Annual living stipend
- Tuition Fee Scholarship for eligible international students
- Access to the Australian Synchrotron
- International research collaborations
- Training in advanced crystallography and materials characterisation
- Opportunities to publish in leading chemistry journals
- Supervision by internationally recognised MOF researchers
- Excellent career prospects in academia, materials science, catalysis, and the chemical industry
Graduates pursue careers in:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Catalysis
- Energy Materials
- Research and Development
Investigating Host-Guest Interactions in Metal-Organic Frameworks PhD Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: UNSW Sydney
- School: School of Chemistry
- Research Group: Macreadie Research Group
- Scholarship Name: Investigating Host–Guest Interactions in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) PhD Scholarship
- Study Level: PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
- Research Area: Inorganic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Metal-Organic Frameworks, Materials Science
- Study Mode: Full-Time
- Scholarship Duration: 3.5 years
- Annual Living Stipend: AUD 37,684 per annum (2024 rate)
- Number of Scholarships: Two
- International Tuition Support: Tuition Fee Scholarship available
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
- Application Mode: Expression of Interest to the project supervisor
- Selection Basis: Academic excellence, research experience, and suitability for the project
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides:
- AUD 37,684 annual living stipend (2024 rate)
- Funding for 3.5 years
- Tuition Fee Scholarship for eligible international students
- Access to advanced chemistry laboratories and research facilities
- Research at the Australian Synchrotron
- International collaborations with researchers in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom
- Professional research training
- Opportunities to publish in leading scientific journals and present at conferences
Recipients gain practical experience in advanced porous materials research while developing expertise in crystallography, coordination chemistry, and materials characterisation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Meet the admission requirements for a PhD at UNSW Sydney
- Hold an honours degree or an equivalent master’s qualification in a relevant discipline
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievement and research potential
- Meet UNSW English language requirements where applicable
The scholarship welcomes graduates from the following disciplines:
- Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Related scientific disciplines
Relevant laboratory experience in synthesis, crystallography, porous materials, coordination chemistry, or materials characterisation will strengthen an application.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Expression of Interest
- Proof of English language proficiency (if required)
- Academic referee details
- Additional documents requested by the project supervisor during the HDR admission process
Depending on the research project, the supervisor may request further supporting documents during the admission process.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Review the research project description.
- Prepare your CV and academic transcripts.
- Contact the project supervisor to discuss your research interests and suitability.
- Submit an Expression of Interest with the required documents.
- If shortlisted, complete the formal UNSW Higher Degree Research admission application.
- Accept the scholarship offer and commence your PhD research.
