PhD Studentship: Assessing Establishment and Efficacy of Rust Fungus Control of Himalayan Balsam

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds

Overview

Himalayan balsam (I. glandulifera), is an invasive plant which is notoriously problematic on riverbanks, forming monospecific stands which ultimately results in extirpation of native vegetation and can lead to bank erosion. In 2014, a biological control agent, rust fungus Puccinia komarovii, was approved for release in the EU and is being used across heavily invaded sites in the UK.

Over the 10 years since the initial inoculations the success of establishment and spread of the biocontrol has been variable between sites. The aim of this PhD project is to assess the impact of environmental conditions on rust fungus infection success of I.glandulifera. Working with CABI, Tweed Forum and Tees Rivers Trusts the student will collate existing monitoring and will undertake full site assessments, mapping key topographical features of the invaded riparian sites and catalogue flora present at the site using botanical survey methodology. The project requires a student wishing to develop skills in fieldwork, data collation and ecological modelling with an interest in spatial ecology and monitoring methods. Modelling and mapping of the spatial spread and control efforts, will be used to determine the natural dispersal efficacy of the rust fungus to other invaded sites and allow the student to produce evidence based guidance on suitable release sites and a revision of monitoring requirements.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 4th January 2027

Award duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor: Newcastle University

Supervisors

Prof Aileen Mill
Zarah Pattison (Stirling University)

Eligibility criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project.

Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8020F
• Research Area: Ecosystems
• Select ‘PhD Biology (full time) as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form.
• The studentship code SNES318 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload: your CV

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details: aileen.mill@newcastle.ac.uk