Understanding the impacts of altering the light field for ice-associated phytoplankton REP 2026

Understanding the impacts of altering the light field for ice-associated phytoplankton REP 2026

Lead Supervisor:
Flo Atherden, Clara Manno

Locations:
British Antarctic Survey

Duration:
6-10 weeks

Suitable undergraduate degrees:
Biology, Ecology, Marine Biology

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Project background

Scientific Background

The polar regions are unique environments, regulating global climate whilst experiencing the fastest rate of climate change on Earth. Consequently ‘geoengineering tools’, such as artificial sea ice thickening, are being actively researched to buy time for global decarbonisation.

However, as yet there are no standardised ways to determine how these tools may impact the environment. ECO-ICE is a multidisciplinary project aimed to address this knowledge gap in polar regions, using ice thickening as an example to create a framework for assessing the ecological risk of geoengineering tools.

 

Research Methodology

Ice is artificially thickened by pumping seawater onto the surface, however this new frozen layer is often highly reflective and blue in colour, potentially filtering out a blue light, key wavelength for photosynthesisers underneath the sea ice. This research experience placement will use highly controlled chemostats to conduct mesocosm experiments exploring the impact of a changing light field on the physiology of under-ice phytoplankton. It will contribute to the main goal of ECO-ICE, helping provide a comprehensive impact assessment of geoengineering proposals in polar marine environments. By exploring the impacts filtering out different wavelengths of light on phytoplankton, this work will provide key information on any potential harm to the base of the Arctic marine food web, whilst providing essential observational data to feed into larger scale modelling.

Eligibilty criteria

Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed below to apply for a REP:

  • Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters) – note that students in in their final year who have graduated and no longer have student status at the time the placement starts are not eligible;
  • Be eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (please see the relevant text in the ‘Terms and conditions for training funding’ and associated guidance for further information – https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/); and
  • Have the right to work in the UK.

 

Students from outside the UK who do not already have right to work in the UK should not apply.

How to apply

The deadline for applications will be midday (12 noon BST) on Wednesday 20 May 2026.  

In order to be considered for a placement, please apply to aries.dtp@uea.ac.uk providing the following:

  • A supporting statement explaining your motivation for applying for this project. Please include answers to the following questions:
    • which project are you applying for?
    • why have you applied for this project (e.g. what interested you about this project, what in particular made you want to undertake this research)?
    • what do you hope to achieve by undertaking this placement (e.g. is it for experience, to gain skills, to develop your interests)?
    • what skills do you have that make you an ideal candidate for this placement (e.g. what skills have you developed during your degree that might apply)?
    • what do you hope to do when you complete your degree (e.g. have you considered a working in scientific research in the future, or is this your first experience)?
  • A recent CV
  • A reference from your personal tutor (please ask your tutor to send this to us directly)
  • An interim transcript if available
  • Please also complete the online EDI form (this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked)
Selection process
  • Applications are screened for eligibility
  • Applications are forwarded to supervisors (the EDI form is not included)
  • Supervisors shortlist candidates and interview for the placement.

 

Candidates will be scored according to the following criteria:

  • Fit to project (e.g. your current skills, area of study, interests)
  • Enthusiasm for environmental research (e.g. what you hope to achieve through undertaking this placement, why you chose this project in particular)
  • Evidence of suitability to undertake a research placement (e.g. evidence from your tutor reference, transcript, and CV that you are an engaged student)

 

Successful candidates will be informed by Friday 12 June 2026.