PhD Studentship - Exhibiting the Ocean: How Communication Strategies Influence Attitudes and Behaviour Toward Marine Conservation

Project

A key challenge to improving Ocean Literacy is understanding how to present information to promote greater human nature connectedness. Aquariums, science centres, and museums are increasingly using immersive exhibits, interactive technologies, and multisensory experiences to communicate ocean science and conservation issues. However, there is still limited understanding of how different types of experiences influence people’s attitudes, emotional engagement, and pro-environmental behaviours. This PhD project will use an experimental approach to evaluate how audiences engage with and respond to different communicative approaches to Ocean Literacy. A particular focus will be placed on how perceptions of different marine animals — from charismatic megafauna such as sharks and turtles to less familiar or overlooked groups such as fish and invertebrates — influence conservation concern and willingness to support protective action. By systematically investigating modes of experience, this project will identify the most effective strategies for enhancing Ocean Literacy across diverse audiences. The project will contribute to broader efforts in conservation communication, informal science learning, and environmental psychology by providing new insights into how different experiences can strengthen public understanding of, and connection to, the ocean.

For informal enquires please contact:

Dr Charlotte Hopkins (charlotte.hopkins@hull.ac.uk)

Research Cluster (if applicable):

While there is a growing understanding of the importance of marine ecosystems for society, pressures from human activities on these ecosystems are increasing. All citizens are connected (directly or indirectly) to the oceans, and against this backdrop, the “Ocean Literacy” movement is now a global priority. Enhancing awareness of the importance of the oceans, human-ocean interactions, and how we as individuals and collectively can reduce human impacts on marine ecosystems is central to global Ocean Literacy. The Ocean Literacy research cluster at the University of Hull is a multidisciplinary team of researchers across marine biology, geography, psychology and education.

Supervisors:

Dr Charlotte Hopkins, Dr Blake Morton

Funding:

The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant for three years (full-time) or six years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 25/26 is £5,006 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £20,780 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended allowance.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in marine biology, marine ecology or a related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Thesis in a relevant subject would be an advantage. The successful student will be expected to undertake fieldwork. Therefore the successful student must be willing to work safely and responsibly under such conditions. The PhD will likely contain data collection from human participants and therefore any research experience in this area would be favourable.

For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.

International applicants:

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee.

How to Apply:

You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement.

Apply for the scholarship full-time https://evision.hull.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RPMARIXFD01008&code2=0001

Apply for the scholarship part-time https://evision.hull.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RPMARIXPD02001&code2=0001

Closing Date: 14^th February 2026  

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