Future Rivers: Environmental trajectories and biodiversity responses in 21st century freshwater systems, CASE project with Defra

Future Rivers: Environmental trajectories and biodiversity responses in 21st century freshwater systems, CASE project with Defra

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Martin Wilkes, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Jennifer Dodd, Edinburgh Napier University

Dr James White, University of Birmingham

Dr Eoin O’Gorman, University of Essex

 

Scientific Background

The Global Biodiversity Framework places freshwaters at the heart of plans to bend the curve of biodiversity loss. In the UK, legally binding species abundance targets require governments to reverse declines within the next 20 years. One-quarter of species contributing towards these targets are riverine, placing emphasis on understanding drivers of biodiversity loss and recovery in rivers.

Environmental change will frustrate attempts to stem freshwater biodiversity loss. UK rivers are rapidly warming, whilst extreme flood and drought risks are intensifying. Nutrient enrichment, sanitary water quality and heavy metal pollution remain significant stressors, yet a range of emerging contaminants pose new threats to freshwater life.

With river ecosystems changing so rapidly, the past is an increasingly poor guide to the future. Scientists, policy makers and conservation managers need to look ahead at future challenges, allowing them to legislate for, plan and deliver conservation actions that are resilient to uncertain environmental changes.

 

Research Methodology

Through physical and statistical modelling combined with quantitative meta-analysis and stakeholder engagement, you will develop new socioeconomic and climatic scenarios to understand the likely trajectories of UK river ecosystems through the 21st century. You will engage stakeholders to develop qualitative scenarios, construct models to simulate hydrological, thermal and water quality regimes under those scenarios, and ultimately predict the response of river biodiversity to the end of the century.

 

Training

You will gain significant technical skills in hydrological, thermal, water quality and biodiversity modelling, as well as expertise in research design, academic writing, stakeholder engagement, data management, statistical programming, and high-performance computing. Practical training on freshwater species conservation biology and biodiversity policy will be provided by project partners Buglife and Defra.

 

Person Specification

We seek an individual with a quantitative background and an interest in freshwater systems. Experience in statistical programming and environmental modelling is desirable. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills, with an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research addressing real-world conservation challenges.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Ecology, Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Environmental Science

Project code: WILKES_ESSEX_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

  • Wilkes, M.A., Mungee, M., Naura, M., Bell, V.A. and Brown, L.E., 2025. Predicting nature recovery for river restoration planning and ecological assessment: A case study from England, 1991–2042. River Research and Applications, 41(1), pp.68-81.
  • Dodd, J.A., Dick, J.T., Alexander, M.E., MacNeil, C., Dunn, A.M. and Aldridge, D.C., 2014. Predicting the ecological impacts of a new freshwater invader: functional responses and prey selectivity of the ‘killer shrimp’, Dikerogammarus villosus, compared to the native G ammarus pulex. Freshwater Biology, 59(2), pp.337-352.
  • White, J.C., Khamis, K., Dugdale, S., Jackson, F.L., Malcolm, I.A., Krause, S. and Hannah, D.M., 2023. Drought impacts on river water temperature: A process‐based understanding from temperate climates. Hydrological Processes, 37(10), p.e14958.
  • O'Gorman, E.J., 2023. Warming induces a trophic cascade in freshwater streams. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 7(12), pp.1967-1968.
  • Orr, J.A., Bussi, G., Hughes, J.M., Whitehead, P.G. and Jackson, M.C., 2024. Modelling the potential for local management practices to offset climate change impacts on freshwater macroinvertebrate communities. Freshwater Biology, 69(3), pp.435-449.

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

Please send a CV and Cover Letter to  ariesapp@essex.ac.uk, including the title and project code of the studentship you wish to apply for.