PhD Studentship: Quantifying Ecosystem Service Provision of Kelp Farming for Nutrient Removal and Coastal Protection

Award summary

100% Home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds.

Overview

Kelp farming is increasing due to its low intensity, lack of competition for space and the perceived health-benefits. In addition to the direct benefits of kelp farming, it also provides a wealth of additional ecosystem services e.g. nutrient cycling, coastal protection, yet these services are poorly quantified. Working with industry partners (e.g. Cornish Seaweed Company) this PhD will:

• 1) Collate existing evidence on kelp ecosystem service provision
• 2) Determine the wave attenuation potential of farmed kelp
• 3) Quantify the role of kelp in the uptake and removal of nutrients
• 4) Model kelp ecosystem services through space and time. 

Number of awards

1

Start date

4 January 2027

Award duration

3.5 years

Application closing date 

18th November 2026

Sponsor

Newcastle University

Name of supervisor/s

Prof Pip Moore (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/pipmoore.html

Prof Clare Fitzsimmons (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/clarefitzsimmons.html

Dr Dan Smale (Marine Biological Assocation) https://www.mba.ac.uk/staff/dr-daniel-smale/

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Biology).

You should also hold an HSE SCUBA diving qualification or equivalient (i.e. CMAS 3* or above).

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8315F
• Research Area: Marine Sciences
• Select ‘PhD Marine Sciences (full time) – Marine Biology as the programme of study  

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form 
• The studentship code SNES319 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field 
• When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal. 

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:

• your CV 

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

Prof Pip Moore – Pip.Moore@ncl.ac.uk