About the Project
Lead supervisor: Dr Adam Green (University of York Department of Environment and Geography)
Co-supervisors: Dr Richard Friend (University of York Department of Environment and Geography) Dr Linda May (UKCEH) Prof Alan MacDonald (British Geological Survey)
The student will be registered with the Department of Environment and Geography
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.
We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
Various support and guidance on applying for an ACCE DTP studentship, including how to apply; what we’re looking for (including our assessment rubric); details of financial support, training, and placement opportunities available; and details of our recruitment process, can be found at accedtp.ac.uk, in the ‘prospective applicants’ tab.
About the Project
Global food security requires sustainable relationships between farmers and water. Establishing such a relationship is particularly important in Punjab and Haryana, states that comprise the “granary” of India and were the focus of the large-scale agricultural transformations of the Green Revolution. While the Green Revolution produced massive gains in foodgrain yields, this increase relied heavily on groundwater and the Granary of India is now facing aquifer decline.
Luckily, the region has a well-documented history of flourishing agricultural productivity that offers many clues about the sustainable use of this natural resource. This project focuses on small bodies of surface water (ponds) that can provide a wide range of social and ecological benefits. Archaeological and historical research has revealed that ponds were far more common in the landscape predating the Green Revolution, but many of these ancient ponds have been lost. The project will aim to delineate the socio-cultural and economic benefits (and obstacles) that the restoration of these ponds could contribute to agricultural landscapes today.
Essential and desirable criteria: Applicants should have a primary degree in an appropriate discipline (Archaeology, Ecology, Heritage, Political Science, Environmental Science or other related discipline). They should be self motivated with a keen interest in sustainable agriculture and global food security. The successful candidate will be required to visit India at least three times to participate in the co-production of a pond, support and contribute to the co-development of institutions for its management, and monitor its water balance, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Apply: Further information to support the development of your application are available here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a cv and the contact details of 2 referees.
Applicants should also complete an EDI form which should be e-mailed to acce.dtp@liverpool.ac.uk.
Informal enquiries may be made to accedtp@liverpool.ac.uk
Part-Time Study Options: All ACCE PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.
Project CASE Status: This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the ACCE DTP has a commitment for 40% of all studentships to be CASE funded – as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached. This will only be done as a last resort for separating candidates.
Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological, ecological or evolutionary questions.
Programme: PhD in Environmental Geography (4 years full time or 8 years part time)
Start Date: 16th September 2024 (the student will be registered with the Department of Environment and Geography)
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on either Thursday 22 or Friday 23 February 2024
Funding Notes
Appointed candidates will be fully-funded for 3.5 years including:
• Tax-free annual UKRI stipend (£18,622 for 2023/24)
• Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (£4,712 for 2023/24)
• Research support and training grant
Note: UKRI funding covers Home tuition fees. A limited number of international fee bursaries will be awarded competitively. If not selected for a bursary, international candidates will need to cover the remaining annual tuition fee costs (max £25,700 for 2023/24). International students will also need to cover student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and transport costs to the UK
