​Pollination: using the past and present to predict the future

One full scholarship is available in the School of Biology in 2026/27. This scholarship is open to UK (Home) applicants and covers fees plus 3.5 years maintenance <br /> <br /> This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields relating to community ecology, molecular metabarcoding and predictive network modelling. <br /> <br /> The School of Biology invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. <br /> <br /> The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Biology. We especially welcome applications that connect to the School&#039;s core research areas, which include Sustainable Ecosystems and Adaptation.

<p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{130}" paraid="364603769">This project will investigate plant-pollinator interactions in the past using museum specimens that contain pollen from the day they were collected; in the present, creating empirically derived quantitative plant-pollinator interaction networks; and develop models to predict into the future and inform where restoration efforts now can protect against floral resource gaps in the future.  </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{142}" paraid="1372191323">1. What did plant-pollinator networks look like in the past? Using museum collections, we can determine historical pollinator activity timing and, by non-destructive DNA metabarcoding the pollen on the specimen or in the preserving ethanol, what flowers they visited on the day of collection. Herbarium specimens collected while in flower from the same locations will reveal historical flowering times. This will inform historical plant-pollinator networks and past phenology. </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{158}" paraid="1284924960">2. What do modern day plant-pollinator networks look like? We will return to sites with good museum specimen coverage and re-sample modern day plants and pollinators to determine the structure of the communities now. Sampling across habitats will give a more accurate picture of how communities depend on floral resources at the landscape scale.  </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{170}" paraid="1087944483">3. How have floral resources and pollinator interactions changed over time and how will they change into the future? Using the networks from 1. & 2., we will determine how the plant flowering times, pollinator activity times and plant-pollinator community structure have changed over time. This combined with climate predictions, predicted plant flowering time shifts and expected species’ responses to climate change will allow us to use adaptive network modelling to predict into the future and determine where there are likely to be plant-pollinator mismatches and limited floral resources.  </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{178}" paraid="1425442704">4. Experimentally test the predictions of response to species loss and phenological mismatch modelling. In a UK system, we will validate the predicted phenological response by encouraging plants to flower early in a heated greenhouse south of their natural range and then place them in the field before their natural equivalents would be available. Monitoring the pollinator visitations to both early flowering and naturally flowering plant communities will highlight future plant-pollinator temporal mismatches. </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{190}" paraid="280728820">5. Inform action. Engaging with conservation practitioners, the general public and policy makers to protect and restore areas now will ensure that they will provide necessary floral resources in the future.  </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{198}" paraid="1907582192"> </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{202}" paraid="122556125">This project will involve field work, lab work and computer modelling as well as engaging with people and collaborators with a wide range of backgrounds. </p>

<p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{216}" paraid="2078223011">For scholarship awards, please include the following subheadings and update as required </p> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{232}" paraid="1452396195">Information about the Award </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="1" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{ce4b392b-5449-4745-bcce-be790a0b4b90}{238}" paraid="850475246">We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Biology for one UK candidate, matching UKRI maintenance stipend (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for three and a half years, subject to satisfactory progress.  </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{25}" paraid="1407304614">Duration of the Award </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="2" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{31}" paraid="387682866">Full-time (3.5 years). The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two and a half years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{45}" paraid="398739534">Other Conditions </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{51}" paraid="1612095076">Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{57}" paraid="1590123561">Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026. </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{67}" paraid="37103860">Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. </p> </li> </ul>

<p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{81}" paraid="2046098614">How to apply (if you want to make any changes to the process below please contact your Graduate School admissions team first) </p> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{99}" paraid="1259876117">To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application.  </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{117}" paraid="2043878472">a full academic CV </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{123}" paraid="854648403">degree certificate and transcripts of marks </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{129}" paraid="1589695704">Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable) </p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{135}" paraid="1556620361"> </p> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{139}" paraid="649216609">To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form; </p> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{149}" paraid="531188198">Select PhD in Biology as your programme of study </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{159}" paraid="1015331596">Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert </p> </li> </ul> <ul role="list"> <li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-font="Courier New" data-leveltext="o" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" data-listid="3" role="listitem"> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{165}" paraid="1258848657">For source of funding please state you are applying for ‘Pollination: using the past and present to predict the future’</p> </li> </ul> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{177}" paraid="543127830">If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). </p> <p paraeid="{cb7a882f-2394-4351-a3da-a8c94707cfe1}{187}" paraid="2030973322">As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Within the we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+; and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.  </p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Biology should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Biology is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty Admissions Team  </p>