Biosciences (Restoration Ecology): Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Measurement and Modelling of Future Persistence of Restored Peatlands at Their Bioclimatic Range Limits

As part of the Restoration Ecology and Dynamics (READY) Doctoral Focal Award, we invite applications to the following PhD project: Measurement and modelling of future persistence of restored peatlands at their bioclimatic range limits.

Peatlands are diverse wetland habitats that act as substantial terrestrial carbon stores, increasingly featuring in climate change mitigation strategies and the achievement of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. Because of this, peatland restoration is a conservation priority in the UK and internationally. However, as ecosystems dependent on the maintenance of waterlogged conditions, peatlands are projected to be particularly impacted by future climate change, through changes in both temperature and precipitation. Bioclimatic envelope models predict significant loss of areas suitable for persistence of healthy, accumulating peat (e.g., Ritson et al., 2024) under projected climate change scenarios. However, these models often fail to consider how these ecosystems might respond to restoration efforts, or the interaction between species persistence thresholds and climate in a mechanistic way. 

In this project we aim at filling this gap by examining the persistence of peatlands under future climate change, incorporating projected outcomes from restoration activities and the identification of environmental tipping points from mechanistic modelling of species distributions and habitat suitability. Possible topics to be investigated include (but are not limited to): species distribution modelling and desiccation thresholds for peat-forming Sphagnum moss species; rewetting and water table dynamics; drought response; physical aspects (such as pre-restoration compaction, hydraulic conductivity, changes in microtopography); and the role of shallow peats. The direction of the PhD will be open for the student to refine. We anticipate a mix of field data collection, laboratory and Sphagnum growth experiments, alongside a strong modelling component. The work will focus on exemplar sites within the UK, with potential opportunity to expand to other global peatland sites at their range limits. 

Funding duration – 4 years 

Funding Comment

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and annual stipend at standard UKRI rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26). 

Additional research and training expenses will also be available. 

An additional three-month funded placement with Welsh Government is included. 

International Students

Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.   

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability  

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter. 

Advert information