Richard Savery

PhD Recruitment

PhD Project: Human-AI Collaboration Through Robotic Musicianship

Official project brief (PDF): Download here

This PhD project investigates how people build trust, fluency, and engagement with AI and robotic systems over time, using robotic musicianship as a real-world research setting.

The project is part of a broader research program led by Dr Richard Savery at the University of Canberra, focused on long-term human-robot interaction and group dynamics in creative performance contexts.

Scholarship and Funding

  • UC HDR stipend scholarship.
  • 2026 stipend rate: $40,000 per year (indexed annually).
  • Additional top-up scholarship may be available for successful applicants (minimum $5,000 per year; final amount determined by the University).
  • Duration: 3.5 years.

Official scholarship and process details: University Research Scholarships

Project Focus

Depending on your background and interests, the PhD may include:

  • Building or refining robotic music platforms
  • Developing AI systems for musical interaction and improvisation
  • Designing longitudinal user studies with musicians
  • Investigating group dynamics in mixed human-robot ensembles
  • Analysing trust, coordination (fluency), and engagement with qualitative and/or quantitative methods

This project spans AI, robotics, HCI/HRI, music technology, creative practice, and performance studies.

Suitable Backgrounds

Applicants are especially encouraged from one or more of:

  • Computer science
  • Robotics
  • Machine learning
  • HCI/HRI
  • Music technology
  • Digital media
  • Design
  • Experimental or creative technology practice

Experience in programming, prototyping, user studies, or musical performance/interaction design is highly valued.

How to Apply

Please review the official PDF above, then contact richard.savery@canberra.edu.au before submitting your EOI to discuss your application and project proposal.

Emails that do not include all required items below will not be responded to.

When you email, include:

  • Confirmation that you have read the official project PDF
  • Your CV
  • A short paragraph describing how your background fits the project

Key Dates (2026 Round)

  • EOI target date: April 1, 2026 (extension can be granted for this targeted opportunity)
  • Final full application deadline: April 30, 2026