About the Project
Climate change is driving more intense storms, putting urban drainage systems under pressure. Rain gardens (vegetated basins that manage stormwater) are a key sustainable solution, but their long-term performance often suffers due to generic design approaches that overlook plant ecology. This PhD project will transform rain garden design by linking plant traits to hydrological and ecological outcomes, ensuring resilience under alternating drought and flood stress.
Working with the Royal Horticultural Society and Robert Bray Associates, you will combine field studies of mature rain gardens with controlled experiments to assess how traits such as canopy interception, transpiration, and rooting depth influence stormwater retention, soil evolution, and biodiversity. Using these insights, you will develop a classification system and decision-support framework to guide practitioners in selecting plants and designing rain gardens tailored to site conditions and climate adaptation goals.
This research offers real-world impact, reducing flood risk, enhancing urban green infrastructure, and shaping future design standards. Ideal for candidates passionate about sustainability, plant science, and nature-based engineering innovation.
This 4 year PhD studentship provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £25,726 plus a research training support grant of £20,000 and 100% fees paid as part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT funded by EPSRC and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Please apply here Postgraduate Funding Search | Newcastle University
Funding Notes
Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.
International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
