The Western Australian Government has announced that applications for the for the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia's (MRIWA) PhD scholarship program, where the world's brightest will work on projects to address priority issues in the sector, are now open.

Since 2014, the scholarship program has invested AU$1.7 million to attract domestic and international talent to ensure Western Australia remains at the forefront of minerals research and technology development.

Now in its sixth year, the program offers a female-only scholarship to encourage high-calibre women to pursue higher-degree-research opportunities and create career pathways in the traditionally male-dominated industry.

Mines and Petroleum Minister, Bill Johnston, says that by offering a female-only scholarship the program aligns with the McGowan Government's commitment to diversity and supporting women in male-dominated industries.

Three of MRIWA's inaugural scholars have now completed their PhD studies, with their thesis documents available for viewing on the MRIWA website.

“The McGowan Government is seeking the world's brightest talent to undertake research into priority issues experienced in Western Australia's mining sector,” said Mr Johnston.

“Western Australia is renowned for being a global leader in technology and innovation, right now in the Pilbara the world's largest robot is operating thanks to our highly-skilled workforce.”

The world’s largest robot is Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul, an automated heavy-haul long-distance rail network involving 2.4-kilometre-long trains which travel across a 1700-kilometre network of railway tracks.

As part of the scholarship, each scholar receives AU$30,000 a year over three years.

Applications for the 2019/20 scholarship round close on Thursday October 31, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/scholarships/phd-scholarship-program