PhD Studentship: Drivers and Consequences of Recent Changes in Bird Migration

Background:

Migration enables species to cope with fluctuations in resource availability, but recently dramatic changes have been observed, including reductions in migratory distance, advancement of the migratory timing or abandonment of migratory behaviour. These changes are mediated by interactions between species traits and environmental variables. Recent changes in climate and in resource availability together with information from tracking technologies provide an opportunity to investigate the drivers and consequences of changes in migratory behaviour across species. These can inform conservation strategies to protect migratory species. This project will advance understanding of the determinants of changes in migratory behaviour. 

Objectives and Methods:

Remote sensing and long-term tracking datasets obtained by the supervisors3 and available on Movebank will be used to achieve the following objectives: 

• Quantify changes in species migratory behaviour, including changes in migration timing, migratory distance and proportion of individuals that have become sedentary in different species and populations 
• Determine the influence of environmental variables (e.g. resource availability, climate) to changes in migratory behaviour, accounting for species traits and phylogenetic history. 
• Determine if individuals experiencing lower reductions in resource availability after breeding are less likely to migrate or migrate shorter distances. 
• Determine the extent to which access to new foraging resources (e.g. predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. 

Training:

You will be part of a supportive and dynamic research environment at UEA and work with collaborators at BIOPOLIS/CIBIO, BTO and the University of Lisbon. The project has field work in Portugal with co-supervisors. You will be trained to deploy tracking devices on wild birds and to analyse tracking datasets and spatial data. This project will develop your critical thinking, programming, statistical and oral presentation skills. It will challenge you to think about management of natural resources and conservation strategies for migratory birds, both will enhance your future employability. 

Person Specification:

You should be interested in animal movement and in advancing our understanding of the natural environment. Relevant research experience will be advantageous. This project is available to highly numerate candidates. For further details contact: a.franco@uea.ac.uk 

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.  

After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form. One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete separate form for each. 

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