Monash launches the Ariel Liebman PhD Program
Monash University has officially launched the Ariel Liebman RACE for 2030 Monash University Indonesia PhD Program – a pioneering partnership designed to build the next generation of energy research leaders.
Launch attendees left to right: Dr Ivan Butar, Tantia Dian Permata Indah, Prof Matthew Nicholson, Prof Ulfah J Siregar, Dr Bill Lilley, Dr Neil Horrocks, Yusuf Didi Setiarto, Shreejan Pandey, Dr Tri Desmana Rachmilda, Ignatius Rendroyoko, Prof M Bachtiar Nappu, Prof Taufiq Asyhari, Prof Jane M Jacobs
Developed in collaboration with Monash University Indonesia and the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre and Indonesia’s state electricity provider, Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), this flagship initiative bridges academic expertise with national industry priorities. It offers a fully funded, industry-embedded PhD experience that connects doctoral candidates with leading energy experts across Australia and Indonesia.
The launch event at Monash University Indonesia campus, welcomed prospective students and key stakeholders from PLN and across the Monash network.
This program builds on the foundations laid by the late Monash Energy Institute Director, Professor Ariel Liebman, whose vision for international collaboration helped shape this initiative. His legacy continues through deepening ties with Indonesian universities and support from RACE for 2030.
Maintaining this connection will be invaluable as we grow the partnership and strengthen collaborative links between Indonesia and Australia. The partnership with PLN is central to the program’s focus on industry-embedded research.
Yusuf Didi Setiarto, Director of Legal and Human Capital Management at PLN, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s long-term vision.
“PLN is committed to investing in future energy leaders who will drive innovation and shape Indonesia’s sustainable energy future.”
Monash Energy Institute’s Research Director, Professor Yolande Strengers, said the program reflects a shared commitment to international collaboration and honours the legacy of the Institute’s late Director.
“This program exemplifies the kind of international, industry-connected research Ariel championed. It’s a powerful step forward for Monash, RACE for 2030, and Indonesia – and a meaningful way to carry Ariel’s vision into the future.”
PhD training that blends industry, impact, and international experience
Over the next four years, Program Director Professor Taufiq Asyhari, assisted by Programme Coordinator Sari Octaviani, will lead nine fully funded PhD scholarships, with recruitment currently underway. Students will be jointly supervised by Monash academics in Indonesia and Australia, alongside local university co-supervisors that have been a part of the Australia-Indonesia Centre; Institut Teknologi Bandung, IPB University, and Universitas Hasanuddin. Each student will be based at Monash University Indonesia campus, with a six-month mobility experience in Melbourne at Monash University’s Clayton campus, gaining global research exposure.
Each PhD student will receive a generous funding package including:
- AUD$48,000 from RACE for 2030 to cover living costs and research support.
- AUD$25,000 from PLN to support international mobility.
- Full tuition fee scholarship provided by Monash University Indonesia.
This initiative not only strengthens energy research in the region but also builds long-term institutional relationships across countries, sectors, and disciplines – setting a new benchmark for international PhD collaboration in Southeast Asia.
Read more from Monash Indonesia
Read Director Shreejan Pandey's speech about the late Professor Ariel Liebman