Applications are invited for three 3.5 year PhD studentships with the
Marine Institute
at the University of Plymouth. The studentships are due to start on
1 October 2026.This project is one of eight topics being considered for an anticipated three studentships. Six topics are inviting candidates from open recruitment, with the remaining two following a different route to interview. The studentships will be allocated to the best combinations of candidate and project as they emerge from the interviews across all topics.
Browse all available topics
. Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.
Project description
The research generated by this exciting transdisciplinary PhD will be at the cutting edge of work to address plastic pollution and sustainable fisheries, with direct policy relevance.
Plastics are a key contributor to the Triple Planetary Crisis, and there is scientific consensus that taking steps to reduce plastic production and its accumulation in the ocean are essential to protecting planetary health and a safe and sustainable future. The fishing industry is a key contributor to plastic pollution, with fishing gear posing a risk from ghost fishing and from degradation of polymer materials generating microplastics, which accumulate in the environment. Despite prevention of biodiversity loss and reduction of plastic pollution being priority areas for Sustainable Development Goals, the risks from plastics in fisheries have been largely overlooked.
The PhD is supported by a partnership between academia, fishers and marine managers. Its results are intended to fill evidence gaps and will mark a fundamental step towards informing development of a viable solution to reducing plastic pollution in fisheries. Through field, lab, and modelling studies and close working with stakeholders, the student will:
- Review global use of natural materials (historic and current) in marine applications and identify focus gear types;
- Test durability and suitability of natural materials;
- Work with fishers to develop and test gear which meets fisheries requirements whilst reducing risk from plastic pollution and ghost fishing;
- Use socio-ecological modelling to evaluate ecological and economic outcomes of a transition away from plastics at a variety of scales within the industry;
- Identify regulatory pathways and develop recommendations for effecting positive change.
The student will join the Marine Conservation Research Group and have access to state-of-the-art facilities, technical support and training in lab, field and analysis techniques. Partnerships with Defra, the MMO and AIFCA and close working with expert stakeholders including fishers will ensure maximum impact.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. Applications are encouraged from students with a degree in marine or environmental sciences and particularly encouraged from those with knowledge of fisheries management and a passion to make a positive impact on fisheries sustainability.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentships are supported for 3.5 years and include full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 UKRI rate of £20,780 per annum). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period. The studentships will only fully fund applicants with relevant qualifications. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights, etc.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact
Dr Sarah Gall
.How to Apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
- CV / résumé
- Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
- Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
- Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent). Please also see
here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 2 February 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed as soon as possible after the deadline, with interviews likely to take place in the second half of March. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider that their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Image used with permission, © Jof Hicks
Marine Institute