Fully funded PhD studentships aim to drive forest and peatland research in Scotland

Three new fully funded PhD studentships are set to advance research into the woodland creation and peatland restoration across Scotland are open for applications.

Hosted by the three University colleges, supported by the Centre for Sustainable Forest and Landscapes (CSFL) in collaboration with Forest Research, and funded by the Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, these studentships offer a unique opportunity to combine scientific, social, and environmental studies. 

Liz Poulsom working on ground control point survey at Drumbrae
Research with drone equipment taking pace at Drumbrae, Stirling

Key highlights:

  • Fully funded 4-year studentships with a stipend and research grants

  • Focus areas: Biodiversity, Social Impact, Carbon 

  • Hosted by a globally leading university and across each of the three universities colleges 

  •  Hands-on experience through a ‘living lab’ model 

  • Bespoke training to explore social & environmental impacts 

  • The opportunity to collaborate with landowners of partner site, Ardtornish Estate 

  • Research outcomes will support sustainable forest & peatland practices 

     

Each studentship focuses on a critical area of sustainability: 

Biodiversity

This studentship, hosted by The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, will explore the role of biodiversity in forest and peatland ecosystems. 

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Deadline: 3 January 2025 

Social Impact

Based in the School of Social and Political Sciences, this project examines the societal benefits and community engagement associated with sustainable landscapes. 

College of Arts and Social Sciences 

Deadline: 6 January 2025 

Carbon Research

Hosted by the School of Chemistry, this studentship will develop methods to measure and mitigate carbon emissions in forest and peatland areas.

College of Science and Engineering

Deadline: 3 January 2025 

Further details

The programme includes a bespoke doctoral training scheme designed to equip students with a holistic understanding of social and environmental factors. Students will gain practical experience through the programme's "living lab" approach, working across University-owned and partner sites. 

Research outputs will directly support best practices for monitoring carbon, biodiversity, and societal impacts, ensuring the students’ work has real-world applications. Applications for these prestigious studentships are open.  

For more information on the University’s Forest and Peatland programme, visit: https://sustainability.ed.ac.uk/operations/forest-peatland 

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