From Soil to Signature: Chemical Markers of Deforestation in Global Food Supply Chains, CASE project with Fera Science

From Soil to Signature: Chemical Markers of Deforestation in Global Food Supply Chains, CASE project with Fera Science

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Kate Kemsley, School of Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology (CPP), University of East Anglia

Professor Brian Reid, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

Associate Professor Maria Marin, School of Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of East Anglia

Dr Alina Marca, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia

 

Scientific Background

Deforestation is a major global issue, destroying biodiversity and accelerating climate change by removing vital carbon sinks. The newly introduced EU Deforestation Regulations aim to reduce the environmental impact of ‘Forest Risk Commodities’ (FRCs) such as soy, palm oil and coffee. Land-use changes, like forest clearing and burning that cause a nutrient surge, may leave characteristic trace chemical or isotopic signatures in these crops, suggesting a potential route to testing and verifying FRC origins, and supporting deforestation-free supply chains.

 

Research Methodology & Training

This project will explore the use of advanced analytical methodologies for detecting and identifying chemical and isotopic markers linked to deforestation in FRCs. You will receive training in instrumental techniques, including stable isotope analysis using specialised equipment within the UEA Science Analytical Facilities, as well as high-throughput spectroscopic methods suitable for large-scale sample screening and eventual field deployment. The project will also involve developing your skills in data science, including multivariate analysis, machine learning and AI, to interpret complex datasets and extract meaningful patterns related to geographic origin and land-use history.

You will join a vibrant research community and benefit from interdisciplinary supervision across the Schools of Chemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology and of Environmental Sciences, gaining experience in both laboratory and computational approaches. You will benefit from two 3-months secondments to the project’s industry supporter, Fera Science (Sand Hutton, York), where you will have access to complementary instrumentation and expertise within the Food Authenticity team.

During your PhD, you will have regular opportunities to present your work in academic meetings. You will also be able to develop your wider networking skills through interactions with Fera Science, as well as the project’s collaborative partner World Forest ID and other non-academic stakeholders.

 

Person Specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate with skills in chemical or environmental analysis and a strong numerate background. Prior experience of mathematical or statistical programming is highly desirable.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Economics, Finance, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.), Data Science

Informal enquiries concerning the project are welcomed by the primary supervisor.

Project code: KEMSLEY_UEA_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Gunning Y, Davies KS, Kemsley EK. (2023) Authentication of saffron using 60 MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy. Food Chemistry. 404:134649 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134649
  • Gunning Y, Defernez M, Watson AD, Beadman N, Colquhoun IJ, Le Gall G, Philo M, Garwood H, Williamson D, Davis AP, Kemsley EK. (2018) 16-O-methylcafestol is present in ground roast Arabica coffees: Implications for authenticity testing. Food Chemistry. 248:52–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.12.034
  • Ling, L., Fu, Y., Jeewani, P. H., Tang, C., Pan, S., Reid, B. J., Gunina, A., Li, Y., ... (2021). Organic matter chemistry and bacterial community structure regulate decomposition processes in post-fire forest soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 160, 108311.
  • Thantar S, Mihailova A, Islam MD, Maxwell F, Hamed I, Vlachou C, Kelly SD. (2024) Geographical discrimination of Paw San rice cultivated in different regions of Myanmar using near-infrared spectroscopy, headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry and chemometrics. Talanta, 273, p.125910.
  • Laursen KH, Mihailova A, Kelly SD, Epov VN, Bérail S, Schjoerring JK, Donard OFX, Larsen EH, Pedentchouk N, Marca A, Halekoh Uf and Husted S (2013) Is it really organic? - multi-isotopic analysis as a tool to discriminate between organic and conventional plants. Food Chemistry 141, 2812-2820, 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.05.068

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the  University of East Anglia Application Portal