Supervisory Team:
Dr Jon Hill – University of York
Dr Elizabeth Masden – University of the Highlands and Islands
Dr Tim Szewczyk – Scottish Association for Marine Science / University of the Highlands & Islands
Dr Lucy Wright – RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
Dr Aly McCluskie – RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
Tidal energy holds great promise for advancing our global transition towards zero-carbon energy sources. The UK has sites with some of the world’s best tidal energy sources but these sites are situated in ecologically sensitive areas, e.g. Severn Estuary. Extracting tidal-range energy using, for example tidal barrages or lagoons, will inevitably trigger ecological impacts: positive and negative. Moreover, climate change and other anthropogenic activities will create impacts in non-linear ways as sea-level rise alters tidal conditions and creates tidal zone squeeze, but tidal energy may increase the tidal zone area. Moreover, rivers input pollutants (e.g. sewerage), but tidal barriers may reduce dissipation, concentrating the impacts. Here, we propose to adjust energy extraction by optimising the layout or the operation of tidal energy devices, such that it could be possible to “tune” energy extraction to optimise biodiversity outcomes given these multiple stressors. Current work focuses on single species impacts with little work to quantify overall biodiversity change, including propagation of impacts through trophic levels. Here, we will use numerical models with machine learning to adjust the layout and operation of energy systems in order to engineer a net gain in outcomes for birds across multiple scales and taxa, evaluated through a comprehensive set of metrics, including restorations of populations in Special Protection Areas.
The project will be based in the Environment and Geography Department at the University of York, which offers an outstanding, dynamic and multidisciplinary environment in which to carry out PhD research. Our current PhD students come from many countries around the world and are well supported by a comprehensive programme of training and an inclusive supervision network.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join a growing research team in York that uses numerical methods to tackle environmental problems. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those under-represented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills. You should have a background in mathematics, physical sciences or computer science with a passion to develop physical oceanography and ecological knowledge. There is opportunity to participate in fieldwork with the RSPB to gain valuable insight into data collection methods.
Essential Skills: Data analysis; Numerical Modelling; Coding/Programming
