The Bournemouth University Scholarship provides a fully funded PhD opportunity for outstanding UK, EU and international students interested in molecular ecology, conservation science and environmental research. The studentship supports a research project titled “Application of genetic and molecular tools for assessing outcomes of river reconnection programmes for diadromous species.”
The PhD project will investigate how river reconnection programmes affect threatened migratory fish species by using advanced genetic techniques, environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and ecological analysis. Successful candidates will receive full tuition fee support, a stipend and research funding for the duration of the programme.
The research will focus on the lower River Severn basin in western Britain, where river reconnection projects were completed to improve habitat connectivity and support threatened aquatic species.
About The Bournemouth University Scholarship
The Bournemouth University Scholarship in UK 2026 is a PhD studentship designed to train researchers in the use of genetic and molecular approaches for conservation and biodiversity studies.
Freshwater habitat fragmentation caused by dams and weirs has become a major threat to aquatic biodiversity. These barriers affect fish migration, disrupt gene flow and reduce the long-term sustainability of populations.
Through this PhD opportunity, researchers will examine the impact of river reconnection measures, including fish passes and barrier modifications, on threatened diadromous species such as European shads, sea lamprey, Atlantic salmon and European eel.
Scholarship Benefits
The Bournemouth University PhD Studentship provides comprehensive financial support for successful candidates.
The funding package includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver for 36 months
- Stipend support for 36 months
- Training costs
- Research project costs
The scholarship allows students to focus on advanced research without the financial burden associated with postgraduate study.
Research Project Overview
The PhD research will use the lower River Severn basin as a case study to examine the ecological and genetic outcomes of reconnecting fragmented river systems.
The project will assess how threatened diadromous species respond to improved river connectivity, with particular attention to their distribution patterns, genetic structures and population sustainability.
The research will involve species including:
- European shads (Alosa spp.)
- Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
- Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
- European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
The project will apply modern environmental DNA techniques to identify the distribution of juvenile and adult fish populations across the river basin.
Research Areas And Responsibilities
The selected PhD candidate will conduct research involving:
- Collection and analysis of environmental DNA samples
- Genetic analysis of fish populations
- Assessment of species distribution across river systems
- Investigation of barriers affecting aquatic migration
- Analysis of selection pressures across different life stages
- Development of scientific publications and research outputs
The research will initially focus on Alosa species and their hybrids, examining genetic responses from egg stages through adulthood.
Eligibility Requirements
The Bournemouth University Scholarship is open to UK, EU and international students who meet the PhD entry requirements.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A first-class honours degree or equivalent qualification
- A master’s degree with distinction or equivalent academic achievement
- Strong academic potential and motivation to complete a PhD programme
- English language proficiency requirements, including an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component where applicable
Strong candidates are expected to have knowledge and interest in molecular ecology and experience with relevant laboratory and analytical techniques.
Preferred Skills And Experience
Applicants with experience in the following areas will be considered highly competitive:
- DNA extraction
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- DNA analysis techniques
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) research
- DNA library preparation
- Quantitative analysis
- R or Python programming for data analysis
Candidates should also demonstrate strong problem-solving ability and enthusiasm for ecological research.
Research Objectives
The main objectives of the PhD project include:
- Assessing the spatial and temporal distribution of diadromous species across the River Severn basin
- Understanding how barriers influence species movement and population patterns
- Applying eDNA techniques to measure sea lamprey juvenile populations
- Examining how selection pressures affect different life stages of threatened fish species
- Providing scientific evidence to support river conservation and restoration programmes
Study Details
The PhD studentship will begin in September 2026 and will be based at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus.
The programme is expected to take 36 months for submission, with completion required within 48 months.
Successful researchers will gain advanced training in conservation genetics, molecular ecology, environmental monitoring and scientific research methods.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2026
APPLY HERE
Bournemouth University Scholarship Application Portal
The Bournemouth University Scholarship in UK 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to contribute to global conservation efforts while gaining advanced research experience in molecular ecology and biodiversity science. The fully funded PhD studentship provides financial support and access to a research environment focused on solving important environmental challenges.