This fully funded PhD studentship covers fees and stipend (£19,237 per annum, tax free) for a home (UK) student to conduct new research on human-environment interactions in freshwater ecosystems. The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme. The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary and international team to address fundamental questions about how recreational and water quality priorities influence the ecological trajectories of aquatic plant communities in lakes.
Global efforts and policies highlight the importance of aquatic ecosystems due to their species richness, unique biodiversity, and vital ecosystem services. However, these ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from human activities, including nutrient loading and landscape changes. Balancing the conservation of these ecosystems with the diverse demands of human use, particularly for recreational purposes, poses a significant challenge.
We are offering an exciting PhD opportunity to examine the interactions between human-driven management and ecological outcomes in lakes on designated sites. This project will address fundamental questions about how recreational activities and water quality priorities influence the ecological trajectories and coverage of aquatic plant communities. The research will provide insights into the socio-ecological constructs of ecosystem health and how human values affect the resilience and natural progression of these communities.
The project will involve a combination of fieldwork and laboratory analyses. The successful candidate will engage extensively with a multidisciplinary team to develop their knowledge and skills and will collaborate with stakeholders (e.g., local conservation practitioners and sailing clubs) to implement and disseminate the research findings. Funding is available to support travel throughout the project to meet collaborators, as well as opportunities to attend and present findings at international conferences (e.g., IWA Congress).
This research area is of rapidly growing global importance, and the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with both world-class academics and industry professionals. Consequently, this PhD will prepare the successful candidate for an exciting career upon completion. By the end of the project, the candidate will be well-positioned for a highly successful career in the water sector or academia. We will support the development of dynamic, confident, and highly competent researchers with transferable skills (e.g., communication, project management, and leadership) and a robust international network of colleagues.
At a glance
- Application deadline26 Mar 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date29 Sep 2025
- Duration of award4 years
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberSWEE0276
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit students with a background environmental science, ecology, botany, or a related field, with a keen interest in socio-ecological interactions and ecological dynamics.Funding
This is a fully funded studentship sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Â鶹´«Ã½AV, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£19,237; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
- Be a UK domiciled student
- Not already have a Master’s degree from the host institution
- Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Black Other
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Dr Tao Lyu - t.lyu@cranfield.ac.uk
Dr Robert Grabowski - r.c.grabowski@cranfield.ac.uk
- Download and complete the
- Upload your Connect cover form within the Personal Statement section of the .
Please ensure that your fully completed online application form is submitted by the application closing date. All requested documentation should be uploaded to the online form before submission. Your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded.
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.
