Anaerobic Digestion in a Circular Bioeconomy for Sustainable Land Use and GHG Mitigation

QUALIFICATIONS:

Primary or master’s level degree in agricultural science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource management, geography, or cogent disciplines.   

OVERALL PURPOSE OF PHD:

Ireland’s Climate Action legislation has set legal requirements for greenhouse gas emissions reductions. By 2030, emissions must be 51% less than in 2018, and by 2050, the Irish economy must be carbon neutral. The carbon budgeting process described by the legislation will set out the annual emissions reduction trajectory and set greenhouse gas limits for each sector of the Irish economy to meet these targets.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a multi-faceted technology at the interface of waste management, energy generation and food production. It is promoted as an effective option to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve circularity in the economy via renewable energy generation from biomethane and nutrient cycling in digestate coproducts. The aim of this PhD is to investigate how anaerobic digestion (AD) can be integrated into Ireland’s circular bioeconomy, focusing on its role in land use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. The research will evaluate how AD can be utilized to manage organic waste, improve nutrient cycles, and contribute to sustainable energy production, while also supporting land-use change efforts in forestry and agriculture. By examining different bioeconomy scenarios, this project will identify practical strategies for using AD to enhance environmental sustainability, improve land management, and contribute to Ireland's climate goals.

The PhD scholarship is funded by the FORESIGHT project (Future ORiEnted ScenarIo modellinG of Holistic land use sTrategies) which is led by Prof. David Styles (University of Galway). Prof. Ken Byrne (University of Limerick) is leads the work package on Land Use and Bioeconomy.  

DESCRIPTION:

This PhD research will focus on the integration of AD within a circular bioeconomy framework, specifically targeting land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF). The study will develop and evaluate AD-based bioeconomy scenarios aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhancing sustainable land management. This PhD will be based at the University of Limerick with Prof. Ken Byrne as the primary supervisor and Prof. David Styles as co-supervisor.

 Applications (see instructions below) for this PhD scholarship should be sent to: [Email Address Removed]

The PhD candidate will support reporting to the funding agency, lead and contribute to the preparation of publications, and present research at scientific meetings, as required by the senior researchers on the project. Evidence of team working and possession of a full driving licence would be an advantage.

The study will commence as soon as possible. The scholarship stipend will be €25,000 per annum for a maximum of four years. EU fees are funded to a maximum of €6,000 per annum. 

Applicants should submit, by email, a letter outlining why they are interested in the research topic, their suitability for the position, a full curriculum vitae (including the names, addresses and emails of two referees) to [Email Address Removed] Please also indicate where you first saw this post advertised.