AI companionship to address loneliness (in CALD/Chinese communities)

Co-design and evaluate the psychosocial benefits of an AI companion to address loneliness in older CALD communities - ideally Mandarin Chinese speaking.

The PhD is part of an Australian Research Council Funded study, advancing AI companionship for use by older people, including those in aged care.

The PhD is especially suitable for someone interested in working with Chinese/Mandarin speaking communities - with the skills to co-design and formally evaluate an AI companion and its impact. Skills in working with lived experience (especially older people) and evaluation techniques are beneficial.

Applicants may have a background in qualitative research, social work, psychosocial studies, mental health, dementia and ageing or psychology - and/or in social impact design or community arts. 3D visualisation skills are optional. 

Our team is interdisciplinary, spanning design, psychosocial studies, arts and computer science/AI. 

Eligibility

Domestic  PhD  candidates.

Scholarship

$39,206 per annum (2026 rate), 3.5 years. 

How to apply 

Please email Professor Jill Bennett j.bennett@unsw.edu.au a copy of your CV and academic transcripts by the deadline.

Further information on how to apply can be found here HDR Application Process

Application deadline: 19 February 2026