Game-Based Digital Outcome Measures for Parkinson's Disease

About the research project

Parkinson's disease symptoms fluctuate across the day, particularly in relation to medication cycles. Clinic-based assessments provide important reference points but only capture infrequent snapshots. This project will develop and validate a serious game platform that embeds clinical measurement within natural gameplay, so that longitudinal monitoring can occur with lower participant burden.

The project will examine whether gameplay-derived measures of bradykinesia, dexterity, tremor and steadiness, reaction time and cognitive-motor performance can operate as valid, reliable, usable and clinically meaningful digital outcome measures. It will align at-home gameplay data with periodic clinical assessments and medication schedules, including ON and OFF medication states.

The research combines longitudinal cohort methods, digital biomarker validation, design science research, psychometric evaluation and qualitative human factors work. It will also produce construct-preserving game design principles that explain how engaging mechanics can be created without distorting the clinical constructs they are intended to measure.

The candidate will be expected to produce a portfolio of high-quality scholarly outputs throughout candidature. As a minimum expectation, the project should generate multiple peer-reviewed journal publications aligned with the major stages of the research program, including:

• Validation of gameplay-derived digital outcome measures for Parkinson's disease.
• Medication-response modelling and longitudinal symptom monitoring.
• Development and evaluation of the construct-preserving design framework.
• Usability, acceptability and long-term engagement with game-based health monitoring.

The candidate will be supported to develop a publication strategy that targets high-quality international journals and conferences in digital health, human-computer interaction, serious games and neurological health research. Publication planning will form part of regular candidature reviews and supervisory discussions.

Primary supervisor

Meet Professor Kristy de Salas

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants should be eligible for admission to a PhD or relevant HDR program at the University of Tasmania.
• The project would suit a candidate with a background in ICT, health informatics, human-computer interaction, serious games, data science, biostatistics, signal processing, digital health or a related discipline.
• Applicants must be able to work ethically with health-related data and engage respectfully with people living with Parkinson's disease and relevant partner organisations. 

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Strong written and analytical skills
• Demonstrated capacity for independent research
• Experience or training in one or more of human-computer interaction, serious games, health informatics, digital health, data science, statistics, signal processing or software development
• Willingness to work across technical, clinical and community contexts
• Capacity to manage longitudinal research data carefully and ethically

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with Unity or another game development environment
• Familiarity with quantitative longitudinal analysis, psychometrics or digital biomarker validation
• Experience with qualitative interviews or thematic analysis
• Understanding of Parkinson's disease or neurological conditions
• Demonstrated interest in responsible, accessible and patient-centred digital health design 

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Professor Kristy de Salas to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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