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Plant Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
We have 138 Plant Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with a PhD in Plant Biology, a fascinating field that explores the intricate world of plants and their vital role in our ecosystem.
What's it like to study a PhD in Plant Biology?
Studying a PhD in Plant Biology offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the wonders of plant life and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this field. You will have the chance to conduct groundbreaking research, investigating various aspects of plant biology such as growth and development, genetics, physiology, and interactions with the environment.
As a PhD student, you will work closely with experienced supervisors and fellow researchers, collaborating on projects that aim to unravel the mysteries of plant life. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies, enabling you to conduct experiments and gather data to support your research. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to attend conferences and present your findings to the scientific community, fostering collaboration and expanding your network.
Entry requirements for a PhD in Plant Biology
To pursue a PhD in Plant Biology, you typically need a strong academic background in biological sciences or a related field. Most universities require a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree, while some may also consider applicants with a relevant Master's degree. It is important to demonstrate a passion for plant biology and a clear research proposal outlining your intended area of study.
PhD in Plant Biology funding options
Funding for PhDs in Plant Biology may be available from various sources, including governments, universities and charities, business or industry. See our full guides to PhD funding for more information.
PhD in Plant Biology careers
A PhD in Plant Biology opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in academia, conducting research and teaching at universities. They can also work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies, contributing to plant breeding, conservation, biotechnology, or agricultural development. Plant biologists are in high demand, as their expertise is crucial in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture.
Furthermore, a PhD in Plant Biology equips you with valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and communication. These skills are highly sought after in various sectors, such as scientific publishing, science policy, consulting, and biotechnology industries.
Embark on a rewarding journey of scientific exploration and make a meaningful contribution to the understanding and preservation of plant life with a PhD in Plant Biology. Expand your knowledge, shape the future of agriculture and environmental sustainability, and unlock a world of exciting career opportunities.
MSc by Research: Molecular mechanisms underlying aphid effector virulence activity
Pests and diseases are a major threat to food security with losses ranging between 20-40%. Aphids are one of the most devastating insect pests, globally. Read more
Understanding evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of membrane remodelling required for photosynthesis
This project seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of a large and conserved family of proteins that drive a variety of membrane remodelling processes throughout the tree of life. Read more
Genomics and genetics of traditional smallholder crops: amaranth and cowpea
Traditional, or underutilised, crops are not traded internationally, but can play a role in the resilience and sustainability of local food systems. Read more
Developing plant-based solutions to recover technology-critical rare earth elements from wastes
We want to recruit an enthusiastic and motivated graduate into our scientific team to develop plant-based solutions to recover technology-critical elements and remediate environmental pollution. Read more
Developing novel insecticidal proteins for crop protection
Project Overview. Undertake a cutting-edge PhD research project at the UoY’s Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), focused on addressing one of the most pressing challenges in agriculture. Read more
AI for adaptive gene networks over plant evolution
Humanity will need to engineer plants to withstand climate change and boost yield to feed an ever-expanding population. Moreover, the process of engineering better crops needs to be done efficiently, given the rapid rate of climate change. Read more
Signalling complexes and cell wall changes during plant reproduction
We are looking for a student interested in plant developmental, molecular and cell biology to join a vibrant and supportive group of researchers (jointly headed by Lisa Smith, Sam Amsbury and Andrew Fleming), providing an excellent collaborative environment for your PhD at the University of Sheffield. Read more
Primed for Protection: Cell Wall Modifications in Plant Defense and Long-Term Immunity
This PhD project explores a cutting-edge area of plant immunity by investigating how plant cell wall (CW) modifications contribute to both immediate and long-lasting immune responses. Read more
Optimising wheat-fungal symbioses for enhanced nutrition and sustainability
The global challenge of meeting food demand, particularly under the pressures of climate change, necessitates the optimization of crop nutrient uptake while minimizing resource inputs. Read more
Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution
Genetic variation is the substrate of evolution. Without genetic variation species are more likely to become extinct, and this is a problem for wild and crop species alike. Read more
Exploring bacteria-mycorrhizal fungi-plant interactions regulating nutrient exchange
Plant-microbe interactions underpin crop production. Bacteria and fungi are implicated in improving plant health with recent research showing these microbes synergise to additively increase crop yields. Read more
Determining the role of FNR location in the photoprotection of photosystem I
Life on earth depends on photosynthesis, the source of our food, oxygen and most of our energy. Approximately 50% of this life-giving photosynthetic process happens in single celled organisms that live in the world’s oceans and form the critical basis of global food chains. Read more
Understanding the molecular and physiological basis for crop-weed interactions for sustainable agriculture
Feeding our growing global population in a sustainable way that reduces inputs is a critical challenge for modern plant science. The major biological threat to a plant’s existence is neighbouring plants, since they directly compete for water, nutrients and light. Read more
Understanding the molecular and physiological basis for crop-weed interactions for sustainable agriculture
Feeding our growing global population in a sustainable way that reduces inputs is a critical challenge for modern plant science. The major biological threat to a plant’s existence is neighbouring plants, since they directly compete for water, nutrients and light. Read more
Translating the chemical cross-talk between plants and root symbionts through application of novel microfluidics devices
Plants associate with multiple symbionts. Some, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), can offer important nutritional benefits to their host whereas others, e.g. Read more