The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
The Primary Supervisor is pioneering biodiversity credits for reductions in species extinction risk (Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 4) and has been highly influential in recent conceptual debates on biodiversity credits. He is member of the UK’s Integrating Finance and Biodiversity research program and collaborates with Botanic Gardens Conservation International in the practical implementation of Biodiversity Impact Credits.
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
Supported by the supervisor, the PhD student will have opportunities to utilize, learn and develop a broad range of skills, including ecological knowledge and intuition, business language and thinking, applied mathematics, socio-political analysis, and philosophical thought.
Conceptually, biodiversity credit are awarded to organisations for lasting contributions to an increase or improvement of biodiversity. However, big questions about how biodiversity credits should be implemented in practice remain hotly debated. This includes the questions of what one “credit” unit represents and how credits for different components of biodiversity (e.g. genetic, species, ecosystems) could be combined. A “zoo” of different biodiversity credit metrics and credit system has been proposed and confusion prevails.
Innovative structuring principles are required to distil from this a small collection of fit-for-purpose metrics. This research project will deep-dive into questions of how different metrics are defined, why, what potential unintended consequences are, if the metrics and credit systems are suitable for their stated purpose and, most importantly, if their use will contribute to achieving a high-level societal objectives, either practical or utopian, such as, perhaps, that of ecological civilization.
The PhD student will have opportunities to utilize, learn and develop a broad range of skills, including networking and communication, ecological knowledge and intuition, business language and thinking, applied mathematics, socio-political analysis, and philosophical thought. With the market for biodiversity credits now rapidly developing, this project provides ideal training for diverse academic and business careers.
This studentship is open to students applying for China Scholarship Council funding. Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses for 4 years and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Applicants must be:- Chinese students with a strong academic background.- Students holding a PR Chinese passport.- Either be resident in China at the time of application or studying overseas.- Students with prior experience of studying overseas (including in the UK) are eligible to apply. Chinese QMUL graduates/Masters’ students are therefore eligible for the scheme.Please refer to the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English Language ability. Please see our English Language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Axel Rossberg at a.rossberg@qmul.ac.uk
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 31st January 2024 for consideration, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. You must meet the IELTS/ English Language requirements for your course and submit all required documentation (including evidence of English Language) by 14th March 2024. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements. Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship by in March 2024 with the support of the supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CSC can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme. For further information, please go to: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships/items/china-scholarship-council-scholarships.html
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