PhD Studentship: Entrepreneurial Ventures in Soil Health, Land Use, and Natural Capital: Strategic Decision-Making for Sustainable Soil and Land Management

Award Summary

100% Home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £18,622 (2024-25 UKRI rate). Additional consumable funds of £1000pa are provided for this project.

Overview

Join our trailblazing IAFRI PhD programme, merging innovative academic research with dynamic entrepreneurship. This unique 3-year journey is dedicated to environmental and land use ventures, transforming practices in soil health and natural capital.

Year 1 establishes a robust academic foundation with high relevance to current environmental issues. The journey then progresses through from theoretical frameworks to practical application. This transition allows you to hone your analytical prowess and problem-solving capabilities. You'll delve into advanced methodologies, equipping you with the tools necessary to rigorously test and validate your hypotheses.

More than just theoretical exploration, this programme empowers you to devise solutions that are economically feasible and environmentally sustainable. You'll learn to balance these crucial aspects, ensuring that your research contributes meaningfully to both the scientific community and wider society.

The culmination of your PhD is uniquely entrepreneurial. You'll have the opportunity to be part of launching a research-led venture, applying your newfound skills and knowledge to real-world enterprise, and positioning you as a pioneer in your field, ready to make a tangible difference in the world of environmental stewardship. With Fera's extensive network and resources, and those from our commercial and VC partners, you'll be superbly equipped to bring your innovative solutions to market.

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: September 2024

Award Duration: 3 Years

Application Closing Date: 29th February 2024

Sponsor: Institute for AgriFood Research Innovations

Supervisors

Darren Evans  (Newcastle), Glyn Jones (Fera Science), Alex Setchfield (Fera Science)

Eligibility Criteria

This research leans on multiple scientific disciplines. You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent related disciplines.  

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. 

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme ) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.  

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code:8020F
• Research area Environmental Science
• Select 'PhD Biology (Full-Time) – Environmental Science' as the  programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• The studentship code SNES284 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal. 

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:  

Contact Details: [email protected] .