Posted: 17 February 2026
Monash University and Thermo Fisher Scientific have launched the Catalyst PhD program – a new industry partnership designed to apply doctoral-level research skills directly to real-world business challenges.
The program was formally launched on Wednesday 11 February at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Scoresby site, with senior Monash leaders, faculty representatives and industry executives joining to celebrate the collaboration and welcome the inaugural student cohort.
The Catalyst PhD program sits under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Monash University and Thermo Fisher Scientific in May 2024, which established a framework for deeper collaboration across research, capability development and industry engagement. The program represents a practical outcome of that agreement, translating strategic intent into applied, business-focused collaboration.
The Catalyst PhD program embeds PhD candidates within Thermo Fisher Scientific to tackle complex business, policy and organisational challenges using rigorous research, analysis and critical thinking. Students apply advanced research methods to inform strategy, improve decision-making and support engagement across key business functions.
The inaugural cohort comprises five PhD students whose work spans sustainability, commercial challenges, government relations and corporate communications. Their projects focus on understanding systems, stakeholders and decision environments, translating research insight into practical recommendations that support organisational performance and external engagement.
Professor Jacek Jasieniak said the program reflects an evolving approach to doctoral education and industry collaboration: “The Catalyst PhD program demonstrates how doctoral research capability can be applied to complex business and organisational challenges. Through this partnership, Monash and Thermo Fisher Scientific are turning a shared strategic commitment into tangible outcomes that deliver value for industry while broadening the impact of research skills.”
Professor Nellie Georgiou-Karistianis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training), said: “The Catalyst PhD program reflects Monash’s commitment to graduate research that is industry-engaged, future-focused and grounded in real-world impact. Through our partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, PhD candidates gain hands-on industry experience while applying their research expertise to challenges in healthcare, clean energy and sustainability – strengthening both their career readiness and the impact of their research.”
Jo Broughton, Vice President and General Manager (Australia and New Zealand) at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said the program exemplifies the intent of the MOU in action: “This program brings our partnership with Monash University to life. By embedding PhD candidates into our business, we are applying research-driven thinking to real organisational challenges, strengthening strategy, engagement and long-term impact.”
The Catalyst PhD program reflects a shared commitment by Monash University and Thermo Fisher Scientific to collaboration that delivers tangible business value while preparing graduates to operate at the intersection of research, strategy and leadership.
