Monash University Malaysia GEMS PhD – AI-Driven EV & microRNA Profiling for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Overview

GEMS 2026 PhD at Monash University Malaysia applying AI/ML to extracellular vesicle and microRNA profiling for early, non-invasive Alzheimer's diagnosis. Regional mobility scholarship; note the advert states a preference for Malaysian citizens. Deadline: 30 October 2026.

Eligibility

Benefits

Available Fields

• Biology
• Computer Science & IT

Required Documents

Application Process

A PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026) project at Monash University Malaysia, applying AI/ML to extracellular vesicle and microRNA profiling for non-invasive, precision diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Opportunity

PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026). Research Project: AI-Driven Extracellular Vesicle and microRNA Profiling for Precision Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Supervisor

Dr Huey Fang Ong

University

Monash University Malaysia — Engineering and Information Technology

Country

Malaysia

Location

Subang Jaya, Malaysia

Study Level

PhD

About the Project

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains difficult to diagnose early, as current methods (cognitive testing, neuroimaging, invasive CSF sampling) are costly, slow, and often insensitive at the earliest stages. This project applies AI and machine learning to biomarker discovery and diagnosis: blood samples are analysed to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) and profile surface ligands and microRNAs, feeding ML models for pattern recognition and prediction of disease progression. Large-scale EV/exosome datasets are also examined to identify optimal ligand-cargo combinations for therapeutic design, aiming at a non-invasive, scalable precision-medicine platform. Part of the “From Biomarkers to Therapeutics: An Integrated Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease” thematic cluster.

Who Can Apply

• Degree in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Computer Science, Digital Health, Applied AI, or a related field
• Familiarity with ML model development preferred
• Experience with bioinformatics, or willingness to learn pathway/network analysis tools
• Interest or experience in neurodegenerative disease models; wet-lab skills are an advantage
• Highly motivated, independent, able to work in a multidisciplinary team; willing to contribute to publications, conferences and grant applications

Note: the official project listing states a preference for Malaysian citizens for this specific project, even though the wider GEMS scheme and Monash Malaysia’s PhD programmes are generally open to international students — international applicants should confirm current eligibility directly with the supervisor before applying.

Eligibility

Minimum First Class Honours (H1) or equivalent (H1E) recognised by Monash University Malaysia, plus the University’s English language requirements.

Funding Notes

The Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS), funded by Monash University Malaysia, features regional mobility and is awarded to highly qualified students for projects of regional/global relevance. Recipients are funded for an immersive period of up to 9 months at Monash University Australia, Monash University Indonesia, or IIT Bombay, with access to Monash’s global research network during candidature.

How to Apply

Contact the main supervisor first with your academic background to check fit, then submit your application citing the same GEMS research topic as advertised, selecting the Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS).

Application Deadline

30 October 2026.