Engagement with nature can deliver health and well-being benefits, but empirical evidence linking these benefits to biodiversity is equivocal, and mechanistic pathways are poorly understood. Previous research has been limited by datasets from relatively few locations and respondents. The student will conduct novel research assessing how biodiversity and other measures of ecological quality influences the health and wellbeing benefits that people gain from visiting greenspace, and assess if these benefits vary along urban-rural gradients. Results will be used to test and refine cultural ecosystem service models. The student will access data from the Natural England’s current People and Nature (PAN) and Monitor Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE) surveys. These provide large nationally representative samples (~half a million respondents) and capture the locations and outcomes of greenspace visits. The student will combine these datasets with fine scale national maps (from project partners) of habitat types, interpolated species richness, landscape aesthetic quality and protected area status and condition. The student will have opportunities to collate novel data, through additional questions in the PAN survey and dedicated fieldwork, to test mechanistic pathways linking ecological quality to human wellbeing. The student will join Dr Karl Evans’ inter-disciplinary conservation science research team (University of Sheffield). Recent students have a track record of publishing PhD research in high quality journals, e.g. Global Change Biology and PNAS. The student will spend time working with co-supervisors at Natural England (Beth Brockett) and CEH (Laurence Jones) as an integral part of their PhD and have opportunities to feed into national level environmental reporting and policy development through these organisations. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in interdisciplinary ecological/conservation research, data handling skills, and an ability to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders. Contact [Email Address Removed] for more information.
This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment. ACCE is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York, CEH, and NHM, for more information about ACCE and how to apply please visit the website: https://accedtp.ac.uk/
The NERC ACCE DTP and the University of Sheffield are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills. "
How to apply:
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma and more information on the ACCE application process can be found here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply-to-acce-dtp/.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place in the w/c 21st February 2022.
Science Graduate School
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience the breadth of technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.
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