Transforming early autism screening with multimodal AI

This prestigious Industry PhD project, offered through a collaboration between CSIRO, La Trobe University, and industry partner Rocket Punch Pvt Ltd, seeks to develop innovative AI models that integrate brain signals and behavioral data to improve early autism screening. The project's outcome will be the creation of validated digital biomarkers and a prototype dashboard for scalable, explainable autism risk assessment.

As an applicant, you should have a strong interest in artificial intelligence, and the intersection of healthcare and technology. Your research will address pressing challenges in early autism detection, providing more accessible and accurate screenings for at-risk individuals. The project’s findings will not only enable earlier interventions but also contribute to reducing long-term healthcare costs, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum.

This exciting opportunity is part of a cutting-edge initiative to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and societal impact. By collaborating with world-class researchers and an innovative industry partner, you will have the chance to develop both practical and theoretical expertise that addresses critical challenges in healthcare.

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria:

• Masters (or Honours) in computer science, data science, biomedical engineering or neuroscience
• hands-on experience with Python and ML libraries (PyTorch/TensorFlow)
• experience with signal/image processing or computer vision for video
• strong programming and data engineering skills

Desirable:

• experience with longitudinal/temporal models (transformers, RNNs), explainable AI methods, and prior exposure to clinical data governance/ethics

• a stipend scholarship for up to four years with a 2026 value of approximately $48,071 per annum (non-taxable, pro-rata)
• a fee relief scholarship for up to four years
• a four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum
• a 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner
• supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and the industry partner
• structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills
• opportunities to work with La Trobe's outstanding researchers, and  have access to our suite of professional development programs

In selecting the successful applicant, we prioritise applications from candidates who: