Terahertz Fibre Communications for 6G
Integrated Multicore Terahertz Fibre Communications for AI-Native 6G Networks
Published on the 08 October 2026 by UNSW Scientia PhD Project
This project is part of the UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend and a one-off Global Mobility Grant to conduct international engagement activities.
This project will develop an integrated multicore terahertz (THz) fibre communication platform for future AI-native 6G networks and high-capacity digital infrastructure. It combines UNSW's expertise in multicore polymer THz fibres with Chalmers University of Technology's advanced H-band THz integrated circuits and expertise in 5G/6G communication systems.
The research will address key challenges in integrating THz sources and transceivers with multicore fibres, including efficient coupling, propagation loss, channel isolation, and scalability towards parallel, terabit-class communications. The project will provide cutting-edge PhD training spanning THz photonics, semiconductor technologies, communication systems, and technology translation, supported by a research placement at Chalmers. Beyond the technical outcomes, the project will establish a strong UNSW-Chalmers research partnership and create a foundation for future joint research, student mobility and larger international initiatives.
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- Residency: Domestic applicants only.
- Degree program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
You must meet the minimum requirements below to apply:
- An appropriate Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW: OR
- A completed Master by Research, with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high-quality research thesis; OR
- a qualification from another tertiary institution at a level considered equivalent by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)
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Eligible applicants must contact the Primary Supervisor, Shaghik Atakaramians - z5131248@ad.unsw.edu.au. If she agrees to supervise you, you will be invited to submit a formal application to UNSW.
Your email should include:
- CV
- Official academic transcripts
- A brief introduction about you and why you are qualified for this project.
- What interests you about this project and the supervisor(s) expertise.
Research project overview
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Scholarship value
$39,991 per annum (2027 rate) stipend for 3.5 years
$25,000 Global Mobility Grant (one-off) -
Supervisory team
Associate Professor Shaghik Atakaramians (UNSW, Primary Supervisor)
Professor Herbet Zirath (Chalmers University, Co-Supervisor)
Dr Frida Strombeck (Chalmers University, Co-Supervisor)
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Global research partner
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Candidate residency
Domestic
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Degree program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
UNSW School | Research area
Faculty of Engineering | School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Impact focus area
Pillar 7: Advance economic & social prosperity
Learn more
Primary Supervisor
Do you have questions?
The UNSW Graduate Research School manages all postgraduate research applications and scholarships. Get in touch with our team to discuss your research interests and the next steps.