In the ANU School of Cybernetics, we develop researchers who navigate and influence the complex systems shaping our world.
A PhD at our School provides an opportunity for students to develop cybernetic research and practice through a theoretical, engaged, and innovative approach.
To prepare for different planetary futures, our program focuses on the history, present and future of complex sociotechnical challenges. Students currently work on topics like the design, development, adoption and regulation of new technologies, the aesthetic, philosophical, social and environmental impact of these new technologies.
Our candidates engage in analysing complex open systems, envisioning possible futures, identifying the conditions to bring them to life, and often partnering with stakeholders to realise change in the world.
Our PhD candidates bring a broad range of earlier academic and professional experience into the program, including from the fields of law, robotics, management consulting, theatre, software engineering, social sciences, computational sciences, literary studies, physics, economics, architecture and more. We support them to develop research topics and methodologies that build on core concepts related to systems and complexity in cybernetics and allied fields. Through their study, our PhD candidates produce theses that make significant contributions of knowledge to renew cybernetics for the present century.
We are better when we work together#
PhD candidates in the ANU School of Cybernetics have a primary supervisor and at least one additional associate supervisor from the School in their supervisory panel (minimum three members). Additional panellists may work across the ANU College of Systems and Society, the University and other organisations (not limited to academic institutions). All panellists actively participate in supervision.
PhD candidates participate in a calendar of seminars, skills sessions, student-research seminars, guest speakers, discussions, and a yearly offsite. Additionally, candidates facilitate writing sessions, reading groups and more.
PhD candidates also have the opportunity to undertake the Professional Experience Requirement (PER), designing, executing, and reflecting on a collaboration with a non-academic partner organisation. Participants have worked with organisations including Mozilla, Omexom, AuraOS, Google Research Australia, Thinkrs, and CSIRO. These collaborations generate research-informed responses to urgent global questions and may involve strategy and policy development, early-stage R&D, prototyping, and other forms of applied research and engagement.
Applying for the PhD program#
The School finds a supervisor whose research connects with yours, to develop a research proposal together. Applying for the PhD explains how to find a supervisor, how the annual application round works, and how applications are assessed. You can also browse our potential HDR supervisors and their current availability.
For any other questions about PhD study, contact us at phdconvenor.cybernetics@anu.edu.au.
