Apply For University of Glasgow RESPECT PhD Scholarship

The University of Glasgow invites applications for the RESPECT PhD scholarship, an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers working on the Land use for Net Zero project funded by UKRI. The project aims to restore degraded peatlands in the UK and address critical issues such as climate change and sustainable land usage.

This scholarship is an opportunity for researchers to contribute to UK efforts to combat climate changes, especially through the lense of peatland regeneration.

The significance of Peatlands: Project Overview

Peatlands, the largest terrestrial carbon storage in the world, play a vital role in mitigating global warming by sequestering huge amounts of carbon. In the UK, however, approximately 80% are in poor conditions. These damaged peatlands are now carbon emitters, rather than carbon sinks. This has worsened the climate crisis.

The UK Government is committed to restoring large areas of peatland before 2050. This commitment recognizes their importance in fighting global warming. Despite the commitment, large-scale efforts to restore peatland have faced numerous challenges. These include land management issues and stakeholder engagement problems.

The RESPECT Project aims to overcome these obstacles through the development of new strategies for peatland regeneration, especially on agricultural land. The project’s transdisciplinary research will help the UK achieve its ambitious climate goals.

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PhD Position: Research Opportunity

The PhD candidate selected will work in Work package 2: Social Capacities of Peatland Transformations and focus on the social aspects peatland restore. The research will focus on the motivations of owners and managers of peatlands, their involvement in restoration projects and the role that community participation plays in successful recovery.

The key research methodologies include walk-in interviews, and workshop scenario mapping. These are designed to develop innovative approaches to stakeholder involvement. The research will help develop frameworks for various regions that ensure landowners, communities and other stakeholders actively participate in restoration efforts.

Scholarship Benefits

The RESPECT Ph.D. Scholarship provides a comprehensive package of support, including:

• Full UKRI Rate Stipend For three years (full time).
• Tuition charges at standard home rates
• The grant is worth up to 940 francs per annum and can be used to pay for research expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

For consideration for this scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a master’s degree in a relevant area such as geography or law.
• Show a keen interest in restoration of peatlands as well as the overall project objectives.
• You must meet the Home Student eligibility criteria as well as the PhD entry requirements at the School of Law of the University of Glasgow.
• Both full time study and half-time study are open to applications.

Visit the official website: Click Here to Apply for more information and to apply.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications is 11/13/2024. Early applications are encouraged for those interested in participating in this cutting edge research project.

This scholarship is a unique opportunity for researchers who are passionate about climate changes, land use and sustainable restoration practices. Joining the RESPECT Project will allow you to contribute to the UK’s largest environmental initiative, helping to restore the peatlands for future generations and to mitigate climate change.

FAQs: University of Glasgow RESPECT PhD Scholarship

1. What is the RESPECT PhD Scholarship?

The RESPECT PhD Scholarship is an opportunity offered by the University of Glasgow to work on the UKRI-funded Land Use for Net Zero project, specifically focused on restoring damaged peatlands in the UK. The scholarship aims to address climate change challenges related to peatland restoration on agricultural land.

2. What is the focus of the PhD research?

The research will focus on exploring the social aspects of peatland restoration, particularly investigating the motivations of landowners and land managers, stakeholder engagement, and developing innovative methods like walking interviews and scenario mapping workshops. This work will contribute to peatland restoration efforts across the UK.

3. Why are peatlands important in combating climate change?

Peatlands are the world’s largest terrestrial carbon store, playing a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. However, when damaged, they release carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Restoring peatlands can help reverse this process, transforming them from carbon sources back into carbon sinks.

4. What does the scholarship offer?

The RESPECT PhD Scholarship offers the following benefits:

• A full UKRI rate stipend for three years (full-time).
• Tuition fees at the standard home rate.
• A Research Training Support Grant of up to £940 per year.

5. Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

To apply for the scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in geography, law, ecology, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Have an interest in peatland restoration and the project’s objectives.
• Meet the Home student eligibility criteria and fulfill the PhD entry requirements for the School of Law at the University of Glasgow.
• Applicants can apply for either full-time or part-time study.

6. Is the scholarship open to international students?

No, the scholarship is available to students who meet the Home student eligibility criteria. International students are not eligible for this scholarship.

7. How do I apply for the RESPECT PhD Scholarship?

Interested applicants can apply by visiting the official University of Glasgow page: Apply Here.

8. What is the deadline for the application?

The application deadline for the RESPECT PhD Scholarship is November 13, 2024.

9. Can I apply for part-time study?

Yes, the RESPECT PhD Scholarship allows candidates to apply for both full-time and part-time study options, depending on their preference.

10. What research methodologies will be used in this PhD?

The PhD research will involve innovative methodologies, including walking interviews and scenario mapping workshops, aimed at understanding the motivations and engagement of landowners and land managers in peatland restoration efforts.

11. What is the Land Use for Net Zero project?

The Land Use for Net Zero project is a £4.5 million UKRI-funded initiative focused on reducing carbon emissions through sustainable land use practices, including the restoration of peatlands, which are critical carbon stores. The project aims to address obstacles in large-scale restoration efforts across the UK.

12. What is the significance of peatland restoration in the UK?

Approximately 80% of the UK’s peatlands are in poor condition, contributing to carbon emissions instead of storing carbon. The UK government aims to restore significant areas of peatland by 2050 to help mitigate climate change. The RESPECT project addresses the challenges of restoring these vital ecosystems.

13. What is the role of stakeholders in peatland restoration?

Stakeholders, including landowners, land managers, and local communities, play a crucial role in peatland restoration efforts. The research will explore how to effectively engage these stakeholders, ensuring the success of restoration projects across different regions.

14. What kind of support will I receive during the PhD?

In addition to the stipend and tuition fee coverage, the scholarship includes a Research Training Support Grant of up to £940 per year, which can be used to cover research-related expenses.

15. Where can I find more information about the RESPECT PhD Scholarship?

For more detailed information and to apply, please visit the official scholarship page on the University of Glasgow website: More Information and Application Link.