PhD Studentship: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to Mitigate the Effects of Sea-level rise

Project Overview

This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded interdisciplinary research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.

Coastal communities must rapidly adapt to the effects of sea-level rise. Nature-based solutions (NbS) can assist with achieving a sustainable transition of coastal defence that traditionally relies on hard-engineered structures including seawalls and groynes. In contrast, soft-engineered structures encourage natural reef-formation (e.g. oyster and mussel reefs) that improve water quality, elevate the seabed and dissipate wave energy. Research must inform such ambitious goals on the utility of and transition to NbS: (i) Marine science provides the knowledge base on the ecology and settlement biology of reef-building organisms. (ii) Circular economies that benefit businesses, society, and the environment can be created to provide materials (e.g. bivalve shell, rubble) that encourage natural settlement and reef-formation. (iii) The socioeconomic landscape together with conservation concerns and existing regulatory frameworks on coastal use must inform future defence strategies.

To enable a sustainable transition of coastal defence, your project will quantify spatial extend and growth of existing reefs and pilot novel methodologies that facilitate reef development. You will engage various stakeholders including the fishing, leisure and tourism industries, conservation groups, environment management agencies and local governments to better understand how NbS could be implemented and their acceptance as a form of coastal protection.

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

You will use an interdisciplinary approach that integrates the natural sciences with sociology to both explore the potential of NbS for coastal protection and the likely acceptance of these solutions amongst various stakeholders within coastal communities. You will be expected to map the current and potential habitats of reef-building organisms, and quantify reef development on various substrates at a pilot site (supervision: Dr Steinke), and engage in qualitative research with local communities to understand the perceived barriers and opportunities of NbS in coastal communities (supervision: Dr Wheeler).

Training and Support

You will receive support through the Sustainable Transitions training program, which offers training in interdisciplinary research, secondary discipline training, and ongoing development. Doctoral scholars also have access to £2,500 through Proficio for training courses and £10,000 for research and additional training. You may audit relevant courses and will be supported by both the Sustainable Transitions management and your supervisory team. Additionally, all scholars join the University of Essex’s ‘Centre for Environment and Society,’ providing events and networking opportunities.

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree in environmental/marine science but candidates with a social-science degree and environment-facing experiences will be considered. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in spatial mapping of habitats or the approaches and methodologies in the Social Sciences as this can be provided on the programme.

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team. Further details and guidance are available via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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