Student topics

A convergence of virtual reality (VR) and digital twin technologies can provide multifaceted benefits like digital learning processes, generating a collaborative ecosystem between technological and human assets (Martínez-Gutiérrez et al., 2023). When digital twins are adopted, they can provide sustainable energy solutions, such as energy efficiency optimisation or renewable energy integration (Coelho et al., 2024).In this project we investigate the adoption of digital twins and how this can drive the sustainable energy transition in VR environments from a cognitive computing …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

The challenge to keep global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels has become even greater due to a continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions (IPCC, 2023). One major challenge is the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy to reduce emissions (Gholami et al., 2016). The share of renewable energy in electricity generation has increased to 28.3%, however, an acceleration of the pace of the transition is required to limit global temperature rise (REN21, 2022).In this project we investigate public …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

Games have become an integral part of our lives, which is why they are increasingly being used for other purposes than pure entertainment, such as learning, training, informing, or advertising (Degirmenci, 2017). While gamification uses game elements in non-game contexts, serious games are full-fledged games, both aiming to create meaningful engagement and foster desired behaviours (Degirmenci, 2023; Degirmenci and Breitner, 2023).In this project, we investigate how gamification and serious games can help to encourage behavioural change in energy consumption to …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology

As demand for Australian-made products increases, a new type of entrepreneur has emerged. Daigous, or purchasing agents, serve as important ‘middlemen’ – connecting Chinese customers with Western brands. Daigou have become a paradox. They have been associated with ‘unorthodox’ behaviours such as stockpiling highly sought after products, for example, they have previously created market-wide shortages of infant formula. On the other hand, Daigou are increasingly enacting opportunistic behaviours, boosting demand for premium Australian products such as, cosmetics, skincare and vitamins.Recently, …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy

Faculty

Faculty of Business and Law

School

School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations

Climate justice aims at sharing the benefits and burdens of climate change equitably between individuals and communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other demographic factors (Upham et al., 2022). Yet, ethnic minority populations are disadvantaged, for example, with rising energy costs and limited access to renewable energy sources, such as African Americans in the United States (Nature Energy Editorial, 2020) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia (Cain, 2024).In this project, we analyse eco-equity as a …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology

Brisbane is the first host city to be contractually bound to deliver a climate-positive Olympic Games in 2032 (Queensland Government, 2023). Most of the 8,000-megawatt coal plants are expected to close by 2032, which requires a viable and sustainable transition to renewable energies (Simshauser, 2024).In this project, we investigate how digital energy services and analytics (DESA) can help a sustainable energy transition for a climate-positive 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.ReferencesQueensland Government. (2023). All Queensland. All in. 2032 procurement strategy. https://www.forgov.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/404030/Q2032-procurement-strategy.pdfSimshauser, P. …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

Trust is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that plays an essential role in any context where there is interaction among different parties. Three dimensions are integral for a profound understanding of trusting beliefs: competence, integrity, and benevolence (Mayer et al., 1995). Due to the contingencies and dynamics of the renewable energy transition, trust is a critical factor in communities (Walker et al., 2010).In this project, we investigate the multiple dimensions of trust in the context of renewable energies and provide recommendations …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology

The internet of vehicles (IoV) plays an important role in the internet of things (IoT) value system. IoV enables vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications through enhanced connectivity and data-driven decision-making. However, given the importance of energy infrastructures in IoV systems (Shen et al., 2021), the role of energy demand behaviours is yet overlooked.In the context of electric vehicles as low-emission consumer energy resources (Degirmenci & Breitner, 2017), V2V and V2I networks improve the communication with other vehicles and charging …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

Uberization refers to the use of digital services to offer direct contact between service providers and service seekers (Bootz et al., 2022), which provides new opportunities for peer-to-peer charging of electric vehicles (Hu et al., 2021).In this project, we explore the uberization of peer-to-peer charging from a sharing economy perspective and analyse opportunities for service innovation of electric vehicles.ReferencesBootz, J.-P., Michel, S., Pallud, J., & Monti, R. (2022). Possible changes of Industry 4.0 in 2030 in the face of uberization: …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

The share of renewable energy in electricity generation has globally increased to 28.3%, however, an acceleration of the sustainable energy transition is required to limit worldwide temperature rise (REN21, 2022).Energy storage offers various benefits, such as balancing the mismatch between electricity supply and demand; however, due to its charge/discharge inefficiencies (energy storage results in a loss of at least 10% of electricity in the charge/discharge process), digital solutions are needed to manage grid equilibrium effectively (Watson et al., 2022).In this …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Data Science

Consumers generally express positive attitudes towards renewable energies, recognizing system values such as environmental benefits and sustainability advantages (Zhang et al., 2024). However, the actual adoption and use of renewable energy services may not align with their expressed preferences.This paradox stems from various customer value-related barriers, such as high upfront costs, limited awareness, and concerns about reliability or convenience, which hinder widespread consumer adoption of renewable energy solutions (Jridi et al., 2016).In this project, we analyse the consumer adoption paradox …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems

Research centre(s)

Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology

Queensland has committed to the rapid transformation of its energy systems in the coming years, with the 2022 Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan targeting 70% renewable energy usage by 2032 (Queensland Government, 2022). While the implementation of the plan has the potential to deliver major environmental and economic benefits for the state, it carries significant technological and social challenges.Critically, it requires effective communication with customers to ensure uptake of target consumer energy resources (CERs) like electric vehicles, home battery storage, …

Study level

PhD, Master of Philosophy, Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Science

School

School of Information Systems