References

• Preston, J., Debney, A., Gamble, C., Hardy, M. J., Underwood, G. J. C., Garbutt A., Harley, J., Baker, R., Dunk, R.M., Grigg, M., Hancock, B.T., Hendy I.W., La Marca, E.C., Murray, J., Pettorelli N., Pittman, S.J., Reeves, S.E., Robertson, M, Sturrock, A.M., Thurstan, R.H., Unsworth R.K.F., Ward, E.A., Ward, S.L., Watson, G.J., Watson, S.C.L., Wedding, L.M., Worthington, T.A., Wright R.A., Yesson, C., and zu Ermgassen, P.S.E. (2025) Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy. Npj ocean sustainability 4: 33 (2025) https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3
• Thurstan, R.H., McCormick, H., Preston, J. Cameron, T.C. et al. Records reveal the vast historical extent of European oyster reef ecosystems. Nat Sustain 7, 1719–1729 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01441-4
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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.