HDR Scholarship - Designing safety-critical cyber-physical software with Generative AI

Applications now open. A PhD scholarship is available to initiate and conduct research on the topic 'Designing Safety-Critical Cyber-Physical Software with Generative AI'.

Project Supervisor

Location

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Research topic

Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are driving innovations in smart manufacturing, healthcare, energy production and distribution, smart cities and spaces, agriculture and transportation. Most of these CPS are safety-critical; malfunctions can damage property and/or harm people. Designing the software for safety-critical CPS is challenging because safety encompasses a vast array of concerns (performance, timing, security, etc.).

More recently, Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to improve several aspects of software design. Such uses include requirements specification and management, system design and modelling, risk assessment, testing and simulation, and documentation and compliance.

This research will use Generative AI to design safety-critical CPS software, studying the challenges and opportunities present in this area through the development and testing of novel solutions.

Project aim

The aim of this project is to integrate Generative AI in the process of designing safety-critical systems, with the following deliverables planned:

  1. An in-depth literature review of how Generative AI is being used in software design in general, and for CPS specifically.
  2. Conceptual design, development and evaluation of 4-5 solutions that improve upon current safety-critical CPS software design processes.

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 9 March 2025

Benefits

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

  • Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
  • Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
  • International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

  • be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
  • meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
  • be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

  • Strong software design/development skills
  • Background in mathematical modelling for software engineering
  • Strong communication skills including academic writing

How to apply

Please email a CV and cover letter to Prof Roopak Sinha. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.

Contact us

For more information about this scholarship, please contact Prof Roopak Sinha

Prof Roopak Sinha
Email Prof Roopak Sinha
+61 3 924 46861