PhD Studentship: An Aquatic Ecological Tug-of-war: Who Wins When Conservation and Recreation Clash in Lakes?

Start date: 29/09/2025    

Studentship funding 

Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, 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.  

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK 

Duration of Award if full time preferred*: 4 years

1^st Supervisor: Dr Tao Lyu 

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski 

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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. 

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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).

Entry requirements

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

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. 

How to apply

For further information please contact:
Dr Tao Lyu E: t.lyu@cranfield.ac.uk

Dr Robert Grabowski E: r.c.grabowski@cranfield.ac.uk    

Please click on the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our website for instructions.

Keywords: freshwater, ecology, lake, wetland, river, aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, water quality, environmental science, nature based solutions, botany, algae

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