Habitat creation in agroecosystems to enhance ecosystem service provision and climate change adaptation

Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment at Western Sydney University is offering a unique PhD Scholarship opportunity in conjunction with the University of Hertfordshire under a Dual Award partnership. The partnership means that you can study for a PhD within both universities, gaining incredible experience, mentoring opportunities and professional development recognised by both universities.

We have three project opportunities to choose from, allowing you to explore your area of interest alongside the world’s most respected research scientists. The following project is available please make contact with the academic to request more information or apply:

Agroecosystems are of great importance to human wellbeing through food, fiber and fuel production. Poor land-management practices and global change are, however, affecting these systems globally, resulting in declines in biodiversity and reduced or impaired ecosystem service provisioning. Recent research has shown that sustainable management can maintain and even restore biodiversity both aboveground and belowground and through this promote ecosystem service provisioning. However, such practices represent an underutilized management resource in agroecosystems. The overarching aim of this PhD project is to identify practices that create ecologically valuable habitat within agroecosystems and assess their benefits to ecosystem service provisioning more broadly, particularly through promoting above- and belowground biodiversity, in Australia and the UK.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
Domestic students will receive a tax free stipend of $26,682 per annum and a funded place in the doctoral degree. International students will receive a tax free stipend of $26,682 per annum. Those with a strong track record will receive a fee waiver. Funding is available for project costs and conference travel.

CRITERIA
hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor Honours degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least a 25% research component , (iii) a Research Masters degree or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications. » International applicants must also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the English language requirements at: www.westernsydney.edu.au/ international/home/admissions/entry_requirements

HOW TO APPLY
Discuss eligibility and interests with the contact nominated » Contact the Graduate Research School at [Email Address Removed]. » Please submit an application form, CV, names and contact information of two referees, and a one-page document stating how your research interests align with the project’s aims.

Closing date: 8 October 2017
» The application form can be downloaded: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/graduate_research_school/grs/scholarships/current_scholarships