IRES with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
IRES with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Program for Research in grid-forming battery inverters for grid applications (PRIMAVERA)
Summer 2027 | 7 weeks | June–July 2027 (exact dates TBD)
Spend your summer doing research in Australia! PRIMAVERA gives U.S. undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in Melbourne, Australia, conducting research with experts at Monash University and Virginia Tech.
You’ll work on exciting challenges at the intersection of renewable energy, battery technology, and the electric grid while gaining research experience, professional connections, and international experience.
The program focuses on grid-forming (GFM) battery inverters, an emerging technology that could play an important role in integrating large amounts of renewable energy into the electric grid. Australia is a global leader in renewable energy integration and grid-forming technology, making it an ideal place to learn about the future of power systems.
You’ll work closely with Monash University researchers on an individual research project while becoming part of a larger international research team. Projects will explore how large numbers of inverter-based resources can work together to provide a reliable and secure electric grid.
What will you get?
We cover the major costs of participating in the program:
- Round-trip flights to Melbourne
- Housing in Melbourne
- $550/week stipend
- Overseas health insurance
- Local public transportation in Melbourne
What will you do?
As a PRIMAVERA student, you will:
- Conduct hands-on research with faculty and researchers at Monash University
- Explore how battery inverters and renewable energy can support the electric grid
- Develop and use computer simulations, algorithms, and other research tools
- Learn about both transmission and distribution power systems
- Visit leading companies and organizations in the energy and technology sectors
- Participate in professional development and career workshops
- Build connections with researchers, industry professionals, and other students
- Experience living and working in Australia
You don't need to be an expert in grid-forming technology to apply. You will receive close research mentorship from our collaborators at Monash University throughout the program.
What is the research about?
As more renewable energy and battery systems are connected to the grid, the way electric power systems operate is changing. Traditional power grids rely heavily on large rotating generators, while many renewable and battery systems connect to the grid through power electronic inverters.
Grid-forming inverters offer a promising way for these resources to actively support the operation of the grid. PRIMAVERA students will investigate questions such as:
- How can large numbers of battery inverters work together?
- How can we model and simulate these increasingly complex power systems?
- How can grid-forming inverters help maintain reliability and stability?
- How can we develop algorithms and control methods for future renewable-heavy power systems?
Each student will work on an individual project connected to these broader research questions.
Why Australia?
Australia has rapidly expanded its use of renewable energy and has gained significant experience addressing the challenges that come with integrating renewable resources into the electric grid. Working with researchers at Monash University gives students the opportunity to learn from this experience while contributing to research with global applications. PRIMAVERA also builds on a long-standing research collaboration between Virginia Tech and Monash University. Students will become part of this international research community while gaining experience that can prepare them for graduate school and careers int he energy and power industries.
Who can apply?
You are elible if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Are enrolled full-time at a U.S. university
- Will have junior, senior or graduate student standing at the time of the program
- Have completed core power courses at your home institution
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.7
About Monash University
Monash University is a leading public research university based in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1958, Monash is one of Australia's largest and most internationally connected universities, with campuses in Australia and across Asia. PRIMAVERA students will conduct their research with Monash University collaborators and experience life in Melbourne, one of Australia's most vibrant and diverse cities.
How to Apply
Applications for Summer 2027 will be available later in the Fall 2026 semester, with a February 2027 deadline. Stay tuned for application details!
Questions?
Contact: Professor Ali Mehrizi-Sani, mehrizi@vt.edu
This program is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (Award #2420102).