Understanding why galaxies stop forming stars
The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University are pleased to offer a scholarship funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research.
This project will investigate why star formation stops so suddenly by studying a large sample of local galaxies using radio and optical observations for the first time.
Key details
- 20268950
- PhD
- Expressions of interest open now until 18 December 2026
- Domestic, International
- Science
- AUD$40,900 (2027 rate) while on Macquarie University campus; £20,467 per annum pro rata while on University of St Andrews campus
Galaxies do not form stars forever. At some point, many undergo a rapid shutdown of star formation, transforming from active, blue galaxies like our own Milky Way into quiescent, red systems. Exactly what causes this rapid change remains one of the major gaps in our understanding of the Universe around us and our place within it.
About the scholarship
This project will investigate why star formation stops so suddenly by studying a large sample of local galaxies using radio and optical observations for the first time. We will reveal how many:
- are truly “dead”
- hide low levels of star formation.
We will then compare the local environment and images of truly “dead” galaxies to those with hidden star formation, to understand the physical processes behind complete cessation of star formation.
The project will use radio observations from the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU), a major new survey with the ASKAP radio telescope. Radio offers a major advantage over optical observations, because it can detect low levels of hidden star formation. The project will measure both the recent history of star formation and any remaining levels of star formation by combining EMU with:
- very large optical spectroscopic surveys such as GAMA, 6dF and DESI
- infrared imaging from the Euclid satellite.
The key innovation of this project is the combination of radio measurements with optical spectroscopy and infrared imaging, combining knowledge, datasets and methods available in the two groups at Macquarie and St Andrews. This multiwavelength approach allows the same galaxy to be studied in several independent ways:
- optical spectra reveal when star formation shut down
- radio data reveal any hidden star formation
- infrared observations trace obscuration caused by dust (large molecular granules) that may hide star formation from view.
By combining large survey datasets in a new way, this project will provide the clearest test yet of how galaxies rapidly stop making stars, or whether dust has led us to misunderstand this important phase of galaxy evolution.
This project will be co-supervised by:
- Professor Vivienne Wild (St Andrews)
- Professor Andrew Hopkins (Macquarie).
Eligibility
Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.
- For St Andrews, refer to how to apply and entry requirements.
- For Macquarie University, refer to PhD entry and English language requirements and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.
Mode of study
Full-time
Year of entry
2027-2028 academic year (St Andrews), 2027 academic year (Macquarie).
Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset. In terms of their location for study, two entry points for students are available:
- If beginning at St Andrews, 27 September 2027 or 27 January 2028.
- If beginning at Macquarie, 1 October 2027 or 1 February 2028.
Additional criteria
Applicants must not already:
- hold a doctoral degree
- be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews, Macquarie University, or another institution.
Duration of award
The scholarship duration is up to 3.5 years. The student will be expected to spend half of the award term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University. The successful candidate will be expected to have completed the doctorate degree by the end of the award term. The award term excludes the continuation period and any extension periods.
Funding
Funding arrangements are made on the basis that:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise a full tuition fee award and an annual stipend paid at a rate set by the University of St Andrews. For 2026 to 2027, the stipend is £20,467 per annum pro rata. The 2027-2028 rate will be published as soon as possible.
- Macquarie will fund a living allowance scholarship per position at an annual rate of AU$40,900 (2027 rate, tax exempt), paid pro-rata while the student is in Australia. A tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 42 months. Macquarie will also provide:
- an airfare allowance for flights between the UK and Australia up to a maximum of $4000 AUD to be arranged by the Graduate Research Academy
- a Single Overseas Student Health Cover with Macquarie’s preferred provider.
Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- any continuation, extension or resubmission period/fees.
- a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses.
- support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.
Submit your expression of interest (EOI) to:
- Professor Vivienne Wild (St Andrews supervisor) at vw8@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Professor Andrew Hopkins (Macquarie supervisor) at andrew.hopkins@mq.edu.au
- cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au.
The participating schools at St Andrews and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will complete the selection process.
EOI documents to be submitted:
- CV including information about publications
- transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
- information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall)
- statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
- indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by the beginning of April 2027, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to formally apply for the relevant PhD course code and Cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the Macquarie application portal.