Solutions for the Marine Environment (SERVO) PhD studentships

Delivering progress on key global challenges related to marine sustainability through innovative, solutions-focused and high impact research
Getty image 1183696033. Fishing net caught on coral reef underwater. Research Festival 2021. Engineering solutions for marine plastic pollution.
The SERVO (Solutions for thE maRine enVirOnment) PhD studentships have been developed by the Marine Institute to deliver progress on key global challenges that align with the Institute’s research priorities: towards net zero, sustainable blue economy, safe seas, healthy oceans, and digital ocean. It seeks to harness global expertise in pursuit of world-leading, high impact marine and maritime science for a sustainable future.
 

Scope

These studentships aim to address global challenges related to marine sustainability through novel and timely research that is solutions-focused and of high impact. Outcomes should have measurable positive effects on the marine environment. This could include (but is not limited to) significant advances or innovations in:
  • maritime efficiency and clean operations;
  • maritime cyber security and navigation;
  • offshore renewable energy generation;
  • safeguarding marine biodiversity;
  • maintaining ecosystem services;
  • reducing marine pollution, including inputs from land and rivers;
  • mitigating the effects of climate change on the marine environment;
  • generating knowledge relevant to policy or legislation for sustainable management of the marine environment;
  • aspects of human behaviour change in direct support of the above.
The scheme encourages proposals that would be difficult to fund via traditional routes.

Mechanism

The scheme aims to fund three studentships per year, for three years (2025–2027), supporting a total of nine studentships. Each studentship provides full funding for 3.5 years (followed by a self-funded 'write-up' period). Funding includes full home or international tuition fees plus an annual stipend that reflect the University rates per annum. Bench fees (to cover research costs) will also be funded up to a maximum limit.
The supervisory team should be led by a University of Plymouth academic as the Director of Studies (DoS) but should also include leading national or international co-supervisors from relevant academic and/or industrial sectors.
The scheme offers three routes to fund PhD studentships, as outlined below.
Pathways
  1. Staff-led single studentship for open recruitment
    • the DoS / supervisory team submit a proposal for a standalone project, to be completed by one student.
  2. Staff-led multiple studentships for open recruitment
    • the DoS / supervisory team devise a multi-faceted research topic and submit a proposal for interrelated studentships, to be completed by two or three students. For these proposals, it is essential to outline: a) the added value of a multiple student approach; and b) the extent to which each studentship could stand alone, if necessary, avoiding any critical interdependencies.
  3. Student-led single studentship
    • the prospective student develops a proposal in collaboration with a member of University of Plymouth academic staff (and associated co-supervisors), who submits a proposal on behalf of the named student as a standalone project, to be completed by the named student.

Selection

The following selection criteria will be used across all types of proposals:
  • overall excellence of proposal (including budget breakdown);
  • composition and track record of research team;
  • quality of the scientific experience for the candidate;
  • potential to deliver significant measurable benefits at scale in terms of sustainability.
In addition, if a proposal comprises more than one studentship:
  • clear rationale on the added value of multiple students.
 

How to apply

The call for project proposals for 2025 is closed.

The next call is due between August–October 2025, for an October 2026 intake.
Candidates: Projects for the 2025 intake will be advertised online between November–February on our postgraduate research studentships page. Adverts will contain a link to the online application portal.
 
 
 

Marine Research Plymouth PhD studentship

If you're interested in the SERVO PhD studentships, you may also be interested to learn more about the Marine Research Plymouth PhD studentship.
This studentship brings together research staff from across Marine Research Plymouth, providing a springboard for collaborative research excellence and student prospects.
Close up view of plants on Cornish cliff, with view of sea and blue skies in background