Environmental impacts of tidal energy generation on tidal environments and shorebirds (PhD in Environmental Geography)

Renewable energy is a key technology in the quest to make our energy carbon-free. However, installing and creating renewable energy has environmental impacts that are yet to be fully realised. Shorebirds and their invertebrate prey, for example, are predicted to be particularly impacted by changes to tidal patterns resulting from Tidal Energy Generation projects. However, this remains to be proven.

This project aims to quantify the environmental impacts of tidal energy in the UK. Using a mix of techniques including modelling and fieldwork it will create a unique opportunity for a student to make a real impact on how tidal energy is designed and used in the UK. Links to industrial partners and the UK’s Centre for Ecology and Hydrology will be utilised in full to gather data and provide real-world opportunities for future employment or further research. The project will focus primarily on birds as a measure of environmental impact. The student will also have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork to observe birds in tidal areas. As well as scientific outputs, this project will generate management recommendations for the renewable energy industry and policy makers.

We are looking for a student either with a strong background in mathematics or computer programming who is excited to develop their knowledge of avian ecology and physical geography OR a scientist with a background in ecology, environmental science, geography or similar with good quantitative skills who is keen to gain expertise in modelling. This project is truly interdisciplinary, so we will provide specialist training as required.

The research will be based in the Environment Department at the University of York. Rated second in the UK and 17th in the world for the impact of our research, the Environment department at the University of York offers an outstanding, dynamic and multidisciplinary environment in which to carry out PhD research. Our current PhD students come from many countries around the world and are well supported by a comprehensive programme of training and an inclusive supervision network.