This funded PhD studentship is an exciting opportunity to conduct new social-ecological research on river rewilding. River-floodplain connection via rewilding is increasingly seen as a transformative approach to reverse declines in biodiversity. However, new research is needed to determine how social, economic, political and environmental factors influence the adoption and evaluation of rewilding approaches. The studentship covers fees and stipend for a home (UK) student with funding provided by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme. Options exist for PhD and Master + PhD routes for study.

Rivers and floodplains should be hotspots of biodiversity in the landscape, because river processes naturally create a dynamic mosaic of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. However, land drainage, intensive land use (urban and agriculture), and river engineering have separated rivers from their floodplains, causing a loss of aquatic and wetland habitats. To counter this decline, the growing rewilding movement has sought to reconnect rivers to their floodplains, through the work of beavers and stage-zero schemes. 

In this study, a PhD researcher will investigate how social, economic, political and environmental factors influence the adoption of river-floodplain rewilding approaches. The project will combine social science and ecological research to address three objectives: (i) identify and detail the drivers, enablers, and barriers to rewilding in practice; (ii) determine how the greater uncertainty of natural process driven change in rewilding approaches influences expectations for target ecological communities, restoration objective setting and monitoring plans; and (iii) assess the potential for rewilding to support increased socio-ecological resilience and adaptation to climate change. 

The PhD researcher will have flexibility in the design and implementation of the project, adjusting the focus based on their interests and the latest research findings. Though, we envision that the research project will involve fieldwork within the UK, and potentially internationally, to conduct surveys, interviews and/or questionnaires, plus the analysis of existing ecological data. There is the potential to collect new ecological data (e.g. wetland vegetation, insects, aquatic macroinvertebrates), if the applicant is interested.

The PhD researcher will join a dynamic group of interdisciplinary researchers in the 美姬阁 Water Science Institute and the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which focuses on human-environment interactions in freshwater systems. They will benefit from a lively and supportive community that meets regularly through a variety of formal and informal events (e.g. fieldtrips, seminars, communities of practice meetings, reading groups). The knowledge, skills and experiences gained in this project will support careers in academia, environmental consultancy or environmental governance and management.

If you are passionate about the natural environment and want to help realise positive ecological change by working collaboratively with people, then please get in touch.

At a glance

  • Application deadline26 Mar 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date29 Sep 2025
  • Duration of award4 years
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberSWEE0278

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski
 

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.

The project would be ideal for a geographer, environmental scientist or social scientist interested in how humans perceive, interact and influence the natural environment. The successful applicant should be interested in applying social science approaches (quantitative and/or qualitative) to an environmental setting.

Ideally, they will have knowledge of river processes (hydrological, geomorphic and/or ecological) or rural land management. However, we welcome applicants from a range of disciplines and experiences, who have a passion for environmental research and strong written and oral communication skills, as we can complete existing strengths with targeted training.

Funding

This fully funded Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship is sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and 美姬阁 and covers a stipend (£19,237; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

Leverhulme Trust Programme funding
The Connected Waters Doctoral Programme will fund up to 4 home (UK) PhD scholarships starting October 2025 at 美姬阁. One of these scholarships can be a Master's plus PhD, which will fund a one-year full-time MSc and then a 4 year-PhD for a candidate that meets the additional eligibility requirements below.
 
Eligibility requirements for Doctoral Scholarships
Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.
 
Eligibility requirements for Master's Plus Scholarships
To be eligible for the Master’s plus PhD Scholarships, candidates must fulfil the following criteria as specified by the Leverhulme Trust:
 
  • Be a UK domiciled student
  • Not already have a Master’s degree from the host institution
  • Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies
 
and/or identify as one of the following categories of ethnicity:

 

  • Black African
  • Black Caribbean
  • Black Other
  • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
  • Mixed – White and Black African
  • Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)
 

美姬阁 Doctoral Network

Research students at 美姬阁 benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 美姬阁 Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact: Dr Robert Grabowski - r.c.grabowski@cranfield.ac.uk
 
To apply, please complete the following steps:
 
  • Download and complete the 
  • Upload your Connect cover form within the Personal Statement section of the .

Please ensure that your fully completed online application form is submitted by the application closing date. All requested documentation should be uploaded to the online form before submission. Your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. 

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.