Research thesis topics
Health
Description: Vision-based biometrics and biomarkers are known to be robust and personalized indices of human performance and in the near future may be deployed to improve healthy and safety, or to monitor health and disease. However, multimodal indices that are sensitive and specific across a number of domains are yet to be developed. This project will draw heavily from the fields of vision science, cognition, and computer science to develop and validate robust ocular biomarkers of human performance deficits linked to fatigue, sleepiness, ageing, and state and trait factors. This project suits someone with a strong computational ability (e.g., background in computer science or neuroscience, good knowledge of Python/Matlab/C or similar programming language) with a strong interest in biomedical and biomarker device development.
Principal supervisor: Daniel Joyce
Principal supervisor email: Daniel.Joyce@unisq.edu.au
Available academic programs:
- Master of Research (MRES)
- Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
- Cotutelle (DPHC)
Application open date: 11/06/2025
Application closing date: 31/12/2026
UniSQ scholarship applications: Yes. Click here to explore available scholarships.
Other information: Please review the admission requirements for the academic program associated with this research topic. Contact the Principal Supervisor for further information.
Description: Sensory physiology is tuned to the statistical properties of the environments in which we evolved. Neuroplastic mechanisms further adapt us to the individual visual ‘colour diet’ that we consume. Sampling environmental colour is therefore an important but logistically challenging task. Satellite and remote sensing imagery is uniquely suited to sampling colour over large spatial and temporal scales. This project will analyse earth environments at scale to measure the cyclical nature of our colour and light environments, the limits of their encoding by the brain, and relations to mental and physical health and/or performance outcomes. This project suits someone with a strong computational ability (e.g., background in computer science or neuroscience) or with GIS experience.
Principal supervisor: Daniel Joyce
Principal supervisor email: Daniel.Joyce@unisq.edu.au
Available academic programs:
- Master of Research (MRES)
- Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
- Cotutelle (DPHC)
Application open date: 11/06/2025
Application closing date: 31/12/2026
UniSQ scholarship applications: Yes. Click here to explore available scholarships.
Other information: Please review the admission requirements for the academic program associated with this research topic. Contact the Principal Supervisor for further information.
Description: New developments in sensory neuroscience have revealed specialized pathways that detect light to set how we think, feel, and act. Using novel lighting technology and computational methods, this project will measure how these attributes can be altered using targeted lighting interventions. This research will help transition lighting from a tool to a healthcare instrument and will ultimately support the health of disadvantaged and regional Australians.
Principal supervisor: Daniel Joyce
Principal supervisor email: Daniel.Joyce@unisq.edu.au
Available academic programs:
• Master of Research (MRES)
• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Cotutelle (DPHC)
Application open date: 11/06/2025
Application closing date: 31/12/2026
UniSQ scholarship applications: Yes. Click here to explore available scholarships.
Other information: Please review the admission requirements for the academic program associated with this research topic. Contact the Principal Supervisor for further information.