Applications are CLOSED for the second NETGAIN DFA cohort to start in October 2026. If you have submitted an application, you will be contacted week beginning Monday 16 February.
What is a NETGAIN PhD? All NETGAIN projects are defined by interdisciplinary challenge-focussed research around the science and practice of net gain and nature markets and will be supported by a training programme that promotes an awareness of the wide range of issues, disciplines, and sectors required to address these challenges. Each project will be supervised by academics with distinct but complimentary backgrounds from at least two NETGAIN university partners and at least one non-academic partner. All students will have the opportunity to participate in a placement with an external organisation.
How does the funding work? All advertised projects have guaranteed funding for 4 years at the UKRI national rate. In 2025/26, this included a tax-free stipend of £20,780 paid in monthly instalments, tuition fees at the Home rate, extensive research support funding, and support for an external placement of up to 6 months. Both home and international students can apply, but there are limited international fee waivers available. International applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the primary supervisor of a project before applying to discuss. Part-time study is available at a minimum of 50%, funding will be provided pro rata.
How to apply? Complete the online application form. A Word version is available so that you may prepare your answers before submitting. Please submit one application for each project that is of interest to you. The deadline for applications is Friday 30th January 2026. A CV, transcripts, and an English language certificate (if applicable) may be requested later in the selection process.
NG2601 A strategic, systems-based approach to the management of land predators in Scotland (Glasgow)
Supervisor: Jason Matthiopoulos
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Glasgow
Non-academic partner: NatureScot
NG2602 Biodiversity and soil health indicators to support high-integrity carbon credits in regenerative agriculture (Aberdeen)
Supervisor: Matthias Kuhnert
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Aberdeen
Non-academic partner: Zulu Ecosystems
NG2603 Bridging policy and practice: Marine Net Gain metrics for sedimentary Blue Carbon and biodiversity (St Andrews)
Supervisor: Craig Smeaton
email: [email protected]
Location: University of St Andrews
Non-academic partner: Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland
NG2604 Can Biodiversity Net Gain deliver positive outcomes for people and nature? (Durham)
Supervisor: Rebecca Senior
email: [email protected]
Location: Durham University
Non-academic partner: Northumberland Wildlife
Trust
NG2605 Capturing biodiversity net gain on organic farms through Citizen Science (Aberdeen)
Supervisor: Katrin Prager
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Aberdeen
Non-academic partner: WWOOF UK
NG2606 Distilling the value of nature: Unlocking investment in Nature-Based Solutions through integrated indicators for water, carbon, and biodiversity (Aberdeen)
Supervisor: Josie Geris
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Aberdeen
Non-academic partners: Chivas Brothers,
James Hutton Institute
NG2607 Finding the middle ground: Balancing deer management, ecological recovery, and traditional land use (Durham)
Supervisor: Philip Stephens
email: [email protected]
Location: Durham University
Non-academic partner: NatureScot
NG2608 Is ‘complexity’ the much-needed link between ecological function and the biodiversity metrics needed to deliver nature positive outcomes? (St Andrews)
Supervisor: Chris Sutherland
email: [email protected]
Location: University of St Andrews
Non-academic partners: Natural England, Scottish Forestry
NG2609 Is there net gain in marine decommissioning? Rethinking the future of and value of offshore infrastructure in the North Sea (St Andrews)
Supervisor: David M Paterson
email: [email protected]
Location: University of St Andrews
Non-academic partners: [External Organisation], GNFC
NG2610 Nature credits for oyster aquaculture (St Andrews)
Supervisor: Carmel McDougall
email: [email protected]
Location: University of St Andrews
Non-academic partner: NativeAqua
NG2611 Nature markets and the future of crofting in the Western Isles (Glasgow)
Supervisor: Jill Robbie
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Glasgow
Non-academic partners: Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust), Community Land Outer Hebrides
NG2612 Soil carbon dynamics and market mechanisms for species-rich grassland restoration (Aberdeen)
Supervisor: Pete Smith
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Aberdeen
Non-academic partners: James Hutton Institute, Plantlife
NG2613 The marine ecosystem net value of decommissioning offshore infrastructure: Quantifying the ecosystem services disbenefit of residual mercury contamination and the benefit of its removal (Aberdeen)
Supervisor: Astley Hastings
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Aberdeen
Non-academic partner: Plymouth Marine Laboratory
NG2614 The potential for modern-day deer forests in facilitating and maintaining net gain in the uplands of the North Pennines (Durham)
Supervisor: Stephen Willis
email: [email protected]
Location: Durham University
Non-academic partner: Raby Estate
NG2615 Towards increased confidence and public engagement in targeted AI-based frameworks for biodiversity monitoring (Glasgow)
Supervisor: Tiffany Vlaar
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Glasgow
Non-academic partners: CreditNature, National Trust
NG2616 Trading places: How market design shapes landscapes and biodiversity (Glasgow)
Supervisor: Nick Hanley
email: [email protected]
Location: University of Glasgow
Non-academic partners: Highlands Rewilding
