Summer research projects

Collaborate with UQ’s leading academics and researchers on a selected project and gain hands-on experience in research-related activities. This program offers you the chance to extend and apply your discipline-specific knowledge while building valuable research skills and professional capabilities.

The program runs for six weeks, from 12 January to 20 February 2026.

Applications open 22 September and close at 11:59pm on Sunday 12 October 2025. To be considered, you must submit your application through the online portal before the closing date.

For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit UQ Research Experiences .

Available Projects

The impact of changes in scope of practice in health sector on pharmacist choices

Hours of engagement & delivery mode: During the summer research period, the scholar will be engaged for six weeks from January 12 to February 20. We expect the student to work on the programme for around 30 hours per week. The project will be offered in a hybrid arrangement (on-site and remotely).

Project Description: The study aims to examine how expanding the scope of practice influences pharmacists’ roles and preferences using Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) methods. Particularly, it investigates whether pharmacists’ job choices across different sectors vary depending on whether they are working to the top of their scope of practice.

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables: The scholar may support the data cleaning, analysis and literature review. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the stage of the project at the time of the placement and the scholar's individual interests.

Suitable for: Background in economics- 3rd, 4th, honours, or masters years.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Elcin Tuzel

Secondary Supervisor: Associate Professor Jean Spinks

Further information: Interested applicants can contact Dr Elcin Tuzel (e.tuzel@uq.edu.au) and Associate Professor Jean Spinks (j.spinks@uq.edu.au) for further information.

Health Technology Assessment of Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals: Developing a Value Framework

Hours of engagement & delivery mode: For the Summer program, students will be engaged from 12 January to 20 February 2026 (6 weeks). Engagement hours will range from 20 to 36 hours per week, with an expected average of around 30 hours per week. The program will be delivered through a hybrid arrangement, allowing for both on-site and remote participation.

Project Description: Radiopharmaceuticals (RTs) are emerging as next generation medical technologies for addressing complex health challenges, and their manufacture offers significant economic benefit to Australia. However, radiopharmaceuticals are distinct from other technologies due to their unique mechanisms of action, supply chain requirements, and operational management characteristics. Additionally, the evidence base necessary to support reimbursement decisions for these products may often be lacking or uncertain. Applying the same evaluation frameworks and evidence standards used for other pharmaceuticals in the assessment of radiopharmaceuticals can lead to suboptimal reimbursement decisions and delays in patient access to these innovative therapies.

To address these issues, we plan to engage key stakeholders in the RLT industry to develop a Value Framework for theranostic RLTs that will systematically gather expert insights and iteratively refine consensus on critical factors that influence the access and availability of RLTs in Australia.

Expected learning outcomes and deliverables: The scholar may gain skills in conducting literature review, facilitate in qualitative analyses on interview data, facilitate in conducting economic evaluations and other economic analyses required.

The scholar has an opportunity to generate publications from their research and/or oral presentation at research conference at the end of their project.

Suitable for: This project welcomes applications from Bachelor’s / Master's level students with backgrounds in health economics/ applied economics, health service and policy, pharmacy/radiopharmacy or clinical research and other related backgrounds.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Yufan Wang

Further information: Interested applicants can contact Dr Yufan Wang (yufan.wang@uq.edu.au) for further information.