Plymouth University’s pedigree in marine and environmental science research has been recognised following an invitation to join the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).
The programme, led by the University of East Anglia, with the Universities of Kent and Essex, delivers Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded PhDs through these universities, working with core partners.
The University’s Marine Institute has now been approved by NERC to become a core partner, alongside several other research specialists, including the Marine Biological Association, the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.
Professor Martin Attrill, Director of the Marine Institute, said:
“We are delighted to be joining the EnvEast programme, and we’re looking forward to working with our new university partners. We bring complementary expertise in marine and earth science, not to mention facilities that are as good as anything in the sector.”
Plymouth can now put forward PhD research proposals in oceanography, marine biology, biogeochemistry, and geosciences, which, if selected, will be registered at one of the DTP universities, but with the student being based in Plymouth. The University can also look to host NERC advanced training courses.
Boasting one of the broadest marine and maritime research portfolios of any university in Europe, Plymouth has world-renowned expertise in fields such as marine biology, pollution and marine chemistry, coastal processes and climate change. Among its facilities are the £19 million Marine Building containing some of the country’s most advanced wave tanks, a waterfront Marine Station for teaching, research and scientific diving, and a waterfront environmental laboratory at Brixham.