Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/L002469/1
Training the next generation of environmental scientists
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr J Pittman, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Grant held at:
- The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- This DTP will provide rigorous training in research encompassing Atmospheric, Ocean, Earth and Environmental Sciences, with a strong multidisciplinary ethos. The Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, together with the National Oceanography Centre, offer a complementary range of research expertise across this broad range of subjects, with a tradition of interdisciplinary research at all three institutions. The bid will be supported by both NCAS and BGS as project partners, and by partners in research and commercial organisations, to give students a range of options for external training, placements and CASE partners. With over 70 investigators holding NERC grants over the past two years, we have the manpower and range of expertise to support our bid for 24 studentships a year. Demand for places at Manchester and Liverpool is strong with over five applications per studentship at present. Building on our strong track record of delivering joint doctoral training centres across Manchester and Liverpool, we will develop our students as independent researchers able to embark on a range of careers, by combining a number of training elements: challenging research topics at the cutting edge of science, supervisory teams responsive to the student's need, formal courses in key disciplinary topics, skills training specific to the environmental sciences (e.g., data analysis, model building and fieldwork), general transferable skills and placements or internships in partner organisations. A multidisciplinary perspective will be developed through a programme of DTP-wide events such as induction courses, awaydays and seminars as well as an annual conference organised by the students. Our formal training structure is organised in three pillars - Atmospheric science, Ocean science and Earth and Environmental science, each of which is underpinned by large research groups in receipt of substantial NERC funding. Within these pillars a range of courses will be offered, including science courses and advanced skills training. We will recruit the best students to our DTP, who will come to us with a range of prior knowledge and experience, and we will offer a wide range of PhD projects both within and across the disciplines. Each student will therefore follow their own tailored training programme, drawing on elements from all three pillars and from the extensive transferable skills portfolio already offered by the Graduate Schools at Liverpool and Manchester. Students will work with their supervisory team to identify their training needs and develop a suitable programme. We will also ensure that students are able to attend suitable courses at national and international summer schools, as well as research conferences and workshops where they will gain experience in presenting their results. In this way our students will gain knowledge, expertise and confidence in their chosen subject and develop the key skills identified as shortages in the recent Skills Review. Guiding the student to successful completion within the allotted time requires a number of factors other than training. Formal quarterly reviews of student progress are already in place at Manchester and Liverpool, with much more demanding annual reviews including oral examination. Working with the respective Graduate Schools, the DTP Board will monitor student progress closely and revise training and supervisory as required. We will ensure that students are taken through the full research process, from defining the problem through to revising the final paper to meet referees' comments - indeed where possible students will be encouraged to submit their theses in research paper format.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/L002469/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Resumption
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- DTP 2013
This training grant award has a total value of £5,705,873
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - DSA | Total - Other Costs | Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £13,498 | £356,456 | £1,047,762 | £660,000 | £3,628,158 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.