Swansea University Royal Society Funded PhD Studentship
This project will explore the use of remote sensing from satellite images, aircraft and Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles (UAVs) to improve monitoring of forests. The candidate may have skills in one of a number of related areas (e.g. Geography, Forestry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering or Biology), and will join a leading interdisciplinary team based in the Department of Geography, Swansea University.
Forests play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, through uptake by photosynthesis and long-term storage in biomass. As a result, countries are required to carry out an inventory of forest resources under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. However, forests are dynamic, responding to environmental conditions and are subject to disturbance, both natural (e.g. wind damage or impacts from pests and diseases) and through management or deforestation.
In recent years, there has been widespread concern about the spread of pests and diseases in Britain’s forests, and the damage that these cause. Changes in productive forest area and forest growth can impact the accuracy of information maintained about our forest resources. These factors can lead to loss of wildlife habitats, reduced carbon uptake from the atmosphere, economic impacts on forest industries and destruction of recreational areas enjoyed by the public. Early detection of key indicators of vegetation condition and change will inform effective management and help to limit and contain the problem.
The Forestry Commission currently relies on field inspections to determine the location and nature of threats. For effective management, mapping of spatial extent, progression and damage severity is imperative. Remote sensing offers a means both to monitor vegetation condition indicators and to estimate key forest parameters over large areas and at frequent intervals.
The project is expected to combine remote sensing from UAV, airborne and satellite sensors, field data collection and modelling techniques to facilitate the early detection of vegetation condition and processes of decline and recovery. The research is carried out in close collaboration with the Forestry Commission agency Forest Research, ensuring the operational relevance of the results and their benefits for UK forestry needs.
Please note: this is a full-time position. The University’s regulations regarding PhD degrees can be found here: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/academic-services/academic-guide/research-degree-regulations/phd/
The successful candidate is expected to start their studentship on either 1st July 2016 or 1st October 2016.
Eligibility
Candidates must hold an upper second class honours undergraduate degree or a Master's degree (with Merit), in a relevant discipline, such as Geography, Forestry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering or Biology.
Non-native English speakers will be required to demonstrate an English language competency of 6.5 in the IELTS (with 5.5 in each component) or equivalent.
This scholarship is open to UK, EU and international applicants.
Funding
The studentship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a tax free stipend of £13,863 p.a for three years.
UK/EU and international students are welcome to apply, though only UK/EU tuition fees are covered by this studentship. International students will be required to pay the difference between UK/EU and international tuition fees.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete and submit the following documentation by the stated deadline.
- To apply for this studentship, please download the research scholarship application form and return it to the College of Science with the following:
- Academic References – all scholarship applications require two supporting references to be submitted. Please ensure that your chosen referees are aware of the funding deadline, as their references form a vital part of the evaluation process. Please either include these with your scholarship application or ask your referees to send them directly to science-scholarships@swansea.ac.uk
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates – academic transcripts and degree certificates must be submitted along with the scholarship application by the funding deadline. We will be using these to verify your academic qualifications.
- A recent CV
Applicants should use the ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ section of the application form to explain why the award they are applying for particularly matches their skills and experience and how they would choose to develop the project. Please email the documents to science-scholarships@swansea.ac.uk or post them to:
Recruitment and Marketing Team
College of Science
Wallace Building
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea SA2 8PP
The deadline for applications is Friday 10th June 2016.
The successful candidate will be selected following interview and approval by the Royal Society. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on 16th or 17th June 2016.
Informal enquiries about this studentship are welcome, and may be directed to Dr Jacqueline Rosette via email: j.a.rosette@swansea.ac.uk.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/geography-phd-remote-sensing-forest-conditions.php