PhD Studentship: Revitalising British Hops: Harnessing Wildflowers for a Greener Future

Interview date: 2^nd June 2025

Start date: 15^th September 2025

This is a collaborative PhD project between the Royal Agricultural University and the University of Warwick. Applications are invited for this full-time PhD studentship, which for UK home students is fully funded by the Brewers’ Company, Asahi, and the Royal Agricultural University. International students are welcome to apply but the difference in home and international fees would have to be paid by the student.

Background

There is an urgent need to develop more sustainable and resilient approaches to food production in the UK. In addition to the impacts of climate change on production, British hop growers are highly concerned about the impacts of Verticillium Wilt, a soil-borne fungal pathogen that can decimate crops.

There are only 42 hop growers remaining in the UK, and the hops they produce are highly sought after, enabling producers to differentiate their beers using unique flavours and aromas. To help underpin this sector there is a need to support hop growers with research that will enable them to increase the resilience and viability of their businesses, whilst enabling them to meet sustainability goals.

The use of wildflower interventions between rows of hop bines to enhance the delivery of ecosystem services is likely to be a game changer for the sector.

Over a three-year period, the overall aim of the study is to investigate the benefits of wildflower interventions to support hop production through enhanced pest regulation, improved soil health, and benefits for wider biodiversity.

Details of the studentship

The studentship is offered for a 4-year period on a full-time basis starting in September 2025. The studentship is campus based in Cirencester, but will involve travel (by car) to the University of Warwick’s Innovation Campus, and extensive travel to field sites in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire. A full driving licence is also therefore desirable.

During the period of your studentship, you will receive the following:

• a tax-free annual stipend of £19,237 for 3 years.
• a fee-waiver for 4 years for UK home students* (expectation that full-time students complete in 3 years. If you enter year 4, the bursary stops but fees are waived).
• a budget to support your direct project costs, including dissemination costs.

*International students are welcome to apply but the difference in home and international fees currently at £5,750 and £18,950 per year respectively, would have to be paid each year by the student.

Supervisory team:

Prof. Duncan Westbury, Royal Agricultural University,

Dr Kelly Hemmings, Royal Agricultural University,

Prof. John Clarkson, University of Warwick.

For further information about the project and how to apply please click the 'Apply' button, above.

For an informal discussion on this project, please contact:

Prof. Duncan Westbury (Primary Supervisor) via email (duncan.westbury@rau.ac.uk).

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