Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/S007342/1
The Scottish Universities Partnership for Environmental Research (SUPER)
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor D Paterson, University of St Andrews, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of St Andrews, Biology
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Conservation Ecology
- Environmental Planning
- Survey & Monitoring
- Ecosystem Scale Processes
- Ecosystem Scale Processes
- Abstract:
- This new Doctoral Training application from "The "Scottish Universities Partnership for Environmental Research" (SUPER DTP) will address an interdisciplinary "catchment to coast" research portfolio, combining the expertise of a well-established collaborative group of universities, delivering world-leading research and training in natural environmental sciences. Each SUPER partner is already a member of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS), a higher education pool established in 2009, whose research and training collaborations address cutting-edge scientific challenges in topics as diverse as environmental physics and chemistry, biodiversity, global change and mathematical modelling of populations and ecosystems. MASTS researchers have secured #48.7 million in grant income with partners committing to major infrastructure improvements (e.g. Universities of St Andrews -Scottish Oceans Institute (#12m) and Heriot-Watt -Lyell centre (#20m)). MASTS has recently secured 14.8 million (Euro) in new awards while attracting researchers from abroad and cemented important collaborations in areas such as aquaculture, marine energy, ecology, marine mammals, numerical modelling, and technology. It is recognised that the challenges of climate change and the drive for economic growth require such skills and training. The SUPER DTP therefore has a clear focus dealing with climate change impacts, improved land management, sustainable exploitation (e.g. forestry, fresh and marine fisheries and aquaculture) and blue growth. Themes under the SUPER "Catchment to Coast" umbrella. Environmental dynamics: hydrology, sedimentology, coastal processes, erosion control, ecosystem engineering, river ecology and flood management; Biodiversity: ecosystem function and services, ecology and conservation; Challenged ecosystems: climate, pollution, resilience, resource management, societal well-being. We will attract high calibre candidates to carefully vetted projects and develop their specific research skills, while also insuring their further training in transferable and life skills. This recognises that the vast majority of successful doctoral candidates move away from academia but then support the economy through entrepreneurial activity, industry, government or regulatory positions. The SUPER DTP will formalise this additional training by creating an advanced qualification, the SUPER "Post Graduate Researcher Professional Development Certificate" (PG Cert.). This qualification is designed specifically for the SUPER programme and will be used to record and assess the acquisition of individual skills supporting professional development. This is an innovative approach to establish a "structured Ph.D." programme whereby additional elements of a candidate's progression can be explicitly planned and recognised. The PG Cert. will ensure that SUPER DTP students stand out in experience and formalise the breadth of experience that doctoral training can deliver for both the student and wider society. We recognise all our students as individuals and take pride in offering them a truly flexible and outstanding doctoral experience. A second outstanding aspect of the SUPER proposal is the integrated involvement of over 40 stakeholders, from industry and government agencies, including collective industry bodies (e.g. The Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre) that act as a gateway for many more organisations and opportunities. Many have already promised specific support and will provide matched funding for relevant projects. These partners will be involved in the planning, supervision and exploitation of projects and we will offer our students the opportunity of internships in relevant firms and organisations. We have found that this is valuable experience and often leads to career opportunities. The SUPER submission is based on research excellence, innovative training and stakeholder collaboration.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/S007342/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Event/Action
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training (R)
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- DTP2
This training grant award has a total value of £8,332,663
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - DSA | Total - Other Costs | Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £21,364 | £303,459 | £1,458,792 | £847,000 | £5,702,047 |
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