Anticipating the impacts of extreme weather on biodiversity

About the Project

Project Overview

To date, efforts to address the impacts of climate change on biodiversity have focused on gradual shifts in species’ abundance and distribution. However, extreme weather events, expected to increase in frequency and severity under climate change, have the potential to drive local extinctions at more immediate timescales.

Advances in weather forecasting capabilities now provide reliable early warnings of many extreme events, including flooding and drought. This presents a window of opportunity in which anticipatory action, triggered by forecasts, could minimise the impact of extreme weather on biodiversity, but conservation practitioners are yet to exploit this opportunity.

This project aims to enhance the use of weather forecasts in conservation policy and practice. Depending on the interests of the student, research questions can be adapted to any conservation challenge posed by extreme weather. The project offers the opportunity to study pressing conservation concerns and the student will be encouraged to co-produce research questions with conservation practitioners such that project outputs are tailored to specific decision-making needs and have the best chance of generating real-world impact. The project will combine state-of-the-art meteorological forecasts with innovative methods in computational ecology, equipping the student with highly desirable interdisciplinary expertise. Expected outcomes include publications in the scientific literature, but may also include knowledge transfer activities (e.g. toolkits, capacity building programmes). Students with an interest in biodiversity conservation, computational ecology and participatory research practices would be well-suited to the project.

The project supervisor, Dr Vicky Boult, is a Lecturer in Conservation Biology with interdisciplinary interests in actionable ecological forecasting. Dr Boult is keen to mentor motivated students, and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

You can read more about the supervisor and her work here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ecology/staff/dr-vicky-boult

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease, through to understanding evolutionary processes and uncovering new ways to protect the natural world. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. It houses the Cole Museum of Zoology, a café and social spaces.

In the School of Biological Sciences, you will be joining a vibrant community of ~150 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and organise a range of exciting outreach and public engagement activities.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University's excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Ecology or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology via our online application system

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Enquiries:

Dr. Vicky Boult, email: v.l.boult@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.

If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.