Meet the minds shaping tomorrow

At ACU, our research candidates are at the forefront of discovery, innovation, and impact. Driven by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to the common good, they are tackling some of the world's most pressing challenges-across health, education, social justice, theology, and beyond.

Explore their stories, discover their projects, and see how ACU's next generation of researchers is shaping a better future for all.

Graduate Research School

Tackling the trend towards gendered disrespect

Peer sexual assault is rife in Australian schools. We spoke to an ACU researcher whose work aims to reverse the trend.

Improving the wellbeing of war widows

Can young volunteers help war widows to find a sense of belonging and hope? An interview with PhD candidate Jo-anne Walker.

Galloping through the field of sports science

We sat down with ACU's Tom Fary, the PhD candidate whose research is aimed at giving the Broncos a competitive edge.

An advocate for success

The First Nations physio who is championing cultural awareness and enabling Indigenous success in higher education.
Ethan Murphy

With a SACRU Fellowship, Ethan Murphy is taking his PhD overseas

We caught up with ACU PhD student Ethan Murphy, recipient of a 2024 Visiting Doctoral Research Fellowship from the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU).

Bringing Australia's diverse history to life

We chat with Jen Rose, a historian, whose passion is uncovering the stories of ‘ordinary’ Australians, in particular, migrants.

Giving marginalised women a voice

Farjana Mahbuba is using her PhD research to give marginalised migrant women a voice and hopes her work leads to policy reform.

Bridging the gender gap in sports science research

The ACU researchers who are shedding new light on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and athletic performance.

A passion for women's health

Meet Courtney Giles, the ACU researcher who is exploring the effects of exercise on childbearing women.

Lifting the silence on Australia's trans history

ACU historian Adrien McCrory on his journey of exploration into the experiences of trans and gender-diverse Australians.

Building a better world with bioethics

ACU graduate and Fulbright scholar Dr Xavier Symons uses philosophical reasoning to solve real-world ethical dilemmas.

Wellbeing of First Nations' youth

A passion for Indigenous peoples' wellbeing inspired Georgia's PhD exploring how First Nations' youth in higher education thrive.

A safer place for women and children to live

ACU PhD candidate Ulrike Marwitz has a goal to widen our society’s understanding of family violence.

Understanding the adolescent athlete

The ACU higher degree research student who wants to help young athletes to reach their sporting goals.

A quiet achiever shines through

He’s the ‘ordinary Filipino’ who has devoted his life to uplifting disadvantaged communities and alleviating human suffering.

Three Minutes. One Big Idea.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT), developed by the University of Queensland, challenges doctoral candidates to present their research in just three minutes. Meet our competitors and explore their inspiring submissions.

Learn more

Feeling inspired by our research candidates?

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A research degree at ACU lets you dive deep into a topic you're passionate about while building advanced skills that can transform your career and future.

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ACU research candidates bring fresh thinking, ethical insight, and cross-disciplinary expertise to real-world challenges. They’re curious, committed, and ready to collaborate for impact.

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Supervise one

ACU is dedicated to excellence in research supervision and training. Discover how to become an accredited supervisor and access resources that support your success.

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