PhD Studentship: Quantifying Reciprocal Ecological Flows Across Riparian Zones

Start date: 29/09/2025   

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

Duration of Award if part time preferred: Choose an item.

1^st Supervisor: Dr Alice Johnston   

2^nd Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski

This PhD studentship is conduct new research on ecological flows between land and water through riparian zones. The project will explore how these vital transitional habitats influence freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across dynamic landscapes using new field research and modelling approaches. 

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Riparian zones – vibrant transitional spaces between land and water – are vital hotspots of ecological productivity and exchange. These dynamic systems influence the flow of energy, nutrients, and organisms between terrestrial and aquatic environments, fuelling the trophic networks that sustain biodiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality.

This exciting PhD project will quantify and model the reciprocal ecological flows between riparian zones and freshwater systems, focusing on wetlands and ponds across contrasting socio-ecological contexts (e.g. agricultural, urban and semi-natural). The research will push the boundaries of current science by examining how riparian habitats influence freshwater trophic networks while simultaneously considering how aquatic processes shape riparian functioning. A deeper understanding of how riparian zones drive two-way connections has the potential to transform how we design and restore landscapes to co-benefit land and water.

Using innovative field techniques, you will generate novel datasets on carbon and energy flows, with a specific focus on how riparian zone features enhance or disrupt biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. These findings will underpin the development of a cutting-edge agent-based model, integrating dynamic behaviours, life histories, and spatial feedbacks to predict how freshwater trophic networks respond to gradients of riparian complexity. Application of the tool to quantify evidence-based trade-offs between riparian habitat quality and human influence will set new benchmarks for harmonising land and water management priorities in a rapidly changing world.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suits someone with interests in ecology, biology, environmental science or mathematical modelling.

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 Alice Johnston
Email: a.s.johnston@cranfield.ac.uk

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

Keywords: freshwater; ecology; biodiversity; energy; carbon; environmental change; restoration; management. 

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