PhD Studentship: Quantifying ecosystem service provision of kelp farming for nutrient removal and coastal protection
Award Summary
100% Home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds.
Overview
Kelp farming is increasing due to its low intensity, lack of competition for space and the perceived health-benefits. In addition to the direct benefits of kelp farming, it also provides a wealth of additional ecosystem services e.g. nutrient cycling, coastal protection, yet these services are poorly quantified. Working with industry partners (e.g. Cornish Seaweed Company) this PhD will:
- Collate existing evidence on kelp ecosystem service provision
- Determine the wave attenuation potential of farmed kelp
- Quantify the role of kelp in the uptake and removal of nutrients
- Model kelp ecosystem services through space and time.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
04 January 2027
Award Duration
3.5 years
Application Closing Date
18 November 2026
Sponsor
Newcastle University
Supervisors
Prof Pip Moore (Newcastle University)
Prof Clare Fitzsimmons (Newcastle University)
Dr Dan Clare (Marine Biological Association)
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Biology).
You should also hold an HSE SCUBA diving qualification or equivalient (i.e. CMAS 3* or above).
The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).
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: 8315F
- Research Area: Marine Sciences
- Select ‘PhD Marine Sciences (full time) – Marine Biology 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 SNES319 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:
- your CV
You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.
Contact Details
Prof Pip Moore – Pip.Moore@ncl.ac.uk
