Zema Energy Studies Scholarship
Generously supported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
Monash University and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) launched the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship in March 2019, a world-class PhD program to develop the nation’s future energy leaders.
The Scholarship has been established to honour the memory of AEMO’s founding Chief Executive Officer, energy reform leader and Monash alumnus Matt Zema, and is designed to support the next generation of leaders to meet Australia's energy sector challenges. It was created with the support of the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council and in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
The Zema Scholarship aims to create a cohort of energy professionals with advanced multidisciplinary knowledge across engineering, IT and business and economics. The PhD program is intended to deepen student’s expertise, unlock their full leadership potential and help them gain exposure to Australia’s national energy industry. The scholarship provides a $53,608 per annum stipend plus the opportunity for a paid internship with AEMO, and will support the successful applicant for the approved duration of their PhD candidature, to a maximum of three-and-a-half years.
Candidates interested in a Masters by Research will also be considered.
Matt Zema
As the founding CEO of AEMO, Matt Zema epitomised the spirit of energy sector reform leadership, bringing a passion for customer-centred reform, first to Victoria, and then nationally.
On 23 July 2016, AEMO's inaugural Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Matt Zema tragically passed away during his eighth year of leadership.
Matt's accomplishments throughout his 30 years in the energy industry are many and long-lasting. His incredible contribution to the energy industry is unparalleled and all those who knew him remember Matt as an exceptional and visionary leader.
From 1999 to 2008, Matt was CEO of the Victorian Energy Networks Corporation (VENCorp), which was responsible for operating the principal transmission system for gas in Victoria and for the planning, procurement and augmentation of the Victorian electricity transmission network. Matt successfully led VENCorp through a number of complex emergency events, such as the gas supply disruption from the Longford incident in September 1999, and electricity supply issues in January 2007 due to severe bushfires and in April 2008 due to damaging storms.
Prior to this, Matt worked in general management roles with PowerNet Victoria, GPU PowerNet and GPU International, extending himself beyond the strong engineering foundation he had built at the State Electricity Commission of Victoria from 1983. He progressed quickly with exposure to regulatory management issues, IT, and people leadership and development.
Matt was appointed inaugural MD and CEO of AEMO in 2009, leading the transformation of the newly established entity, and building its reputation as a trusted, respected, independent resource for policymakers and industry.
Become a Zema Scholar
The prestigious PhD scholarship opportunity will empower you to build on your passion, gain exposure, and contribute to the energy community. You will work with supervisors from the engineering, information technology, and business & economics faculties to explore and solve pressing energy problems. And you will work collaboratively with the energy sector, enabling you to establish an industry presence and develop leadership networks.
Candidates interested in a Masters by Research in the below topic areas, will also be considered.
Potential research areas and supervisors
These are example projects listed under the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship. If you would like to contact a supervisor and design an energy related research project, this would be considered. Multidisciplinary projects will be given priority.
Links to information about research areas in engineering, information technology, and business & economics.
Supporting the Next Generation of Energy Leaders
These three scholars represent the future of Australia’s energy landscape, and the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship continues to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and leadership in the energy sector. Through multidisciplinary research across engineering, economics, and IT, the scholarship recipients are well-positioned to lead the nation’s energy transition.
For more information about other opportunities under the Monash Energy Institute, visit our scholarships page.
Student testimonials
"The ZEMA scholarship has been instrumental in advancing my research in energy economics, specifically in analysing the dynamics of electricity markets and the effects of policy reforms. This support has enabled me to focus deeply on the project, access valuable resources, and collaborate with a network of experts. The scholarship has not only helped me develop my expertise but has also given me opportunities to communicate insights that can inform Australia’s energy sector."– Eric Liu, 2024 scholarship recipient
"Since receiving the ZEMA Energy Studies Scholarship, I've had the rewarding opportunity to connect with leading minds in both the energy industry and academia. Engaging with experts, sharing ideas, and learning from their invaluable knowledge and experience has been instrumental in advancing my research. My work has focused on enhancing long-term planning by creating a better balance between energy and reserve, utilizing the capabilities of existing, new, and emerging technologies. I am grateful to be part of the effort to address Australia’s energy challenges and help shape the future of the industry."– Saeede Nazari Goldar, 2022 scholarship recipient
"The ZEMA scholarship fund has been invaluable to my PhD experience by simultaneously providing real world motivations for my research as well as a level of financial stability that is not offered by any other scholarship.Working with AEMO has allowed me to discuss the impacts of my work with the very people in industry who will need to use it. Surprisingly, this expanded my understanding of the benefits of my research. When you are so close to your own research it can be hard to imagine the people who will be using it in several years time, several steps down the pipeline. Being connected with those very people allowed me to see uses for my research that didn’t occur to me and helped to ground my research in its real world impacts"– Harriet Mason, 2022 scholarship recipient
"An important part of being a PhD student is approaching new challenges with curiosity and optimism. The ZEMA Energy Studies Scholarship recognises that this mindset is not only essential for academic research, but it is also crucial for the ongoing energy transition. It has been incredibly encouraging to know that the skills I have developed during my PhD studies are also appreciated by the industry. Furthermore, the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship has given me the opportunity to interact with energy leaders and experts and I am very grateful to have learned from them"– Lakshan Bernard, 2020 scholarship recipient
Support our energy scholarships
Monash University and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) launched the Zema Energy Studies Scholarship in March 2019, a world-class PhD program to develop the nation’s future energy leaders.
The Scholarship has been established to honour the memory of AEMO’s founding Chief Executive Officer, energy reform leader and Monash alumnus Matt Zema, and is designed to support the next generation of leaders to meet Australia's energy sector challenges. It was created with the support of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council and in partnership with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
To support the next generation of energy leaders, contact Donor Relations Development (STEM) at donor.relations@monash.edu for a confidential discussion.