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UNSW Scientia PhD Opportunity Available

Digital Eye: A Multimodal Digital Twin of the Human Eye for Lifelong Healthy Vision

Published on the 13 October 2026 by Nicola Kapo
Digital Eye: A Multimodal Digital Twin of the Human Eye for Lifelong Healthy Vision

About the project

What if we could create a personalised digital representation of the eye to better understand how vision changes across the lifespan?

This PhD project will develop Digital Eye – a multimodal digital twin that brings together optical, anatomical, imaging, visual-performance and clinical data.

Using artificial intelligence and computational modelling, the project will investigate how vision and eye health develop, adapt and change over time.

The research will focus on integrating and interpreting complex biological and clinical data, developing and validating models, and translating new computational approaches into future eye-care applications.

The long-term goal is to support earlier identification of disease risk, improved prediction of visual changes and more personalised approaches to precision eye care.

 

Scholarship benefits

The successful candidate will be nominated for the competitive UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme, which provides:

  • $39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
  • $25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off)

Scholarship awards are subject to the competitive selection process.

 

International research collaboration

The candidate will join an interdisciplinary international research collaboration involving:

  • UNSW Sydney
  • University of Florida, Department of Ophthalmology
  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras

The candidate will work across vision science, optical imaging, artificial intelligence, computational modelling, digital health and clinical translation, gaining valuable interdisciplinary research experience.

 

Candidate background

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in:

  • Optometry or vision science
  • Physics, optics or photonics
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Computer science or artificial intelligence
  • Data science
  • Medical imaging
  • Related disciplines

 

Eligibility

Domestic applicants only, in accordance with the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme requirements.

 

How to express your interest

Interested applicants should contact Associate Professor Maitreyee Roy at maitreyee.roy@unsw.edu.au by 8 November 2026 to be considered for nomination.