PhD Studentship: Biodiversity Conservation – Empirical Analysis of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Implementation by Developers in England University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Fully funded studentship; £20,780 for 2025-26. Additional £2,500 for training courses and £10,000 for research costs and further training via Sustainable Transitions programme.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex offers an exciting opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’. The project focuses on biodiversity conservation, specifically examining how developers in England are implementing the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulation, which requires a 10% increase in biodiversity value for habitats affected by development. Since February 2024, developers must achieve this gain through on-site or off-site habitat improvements or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.

The research aims to empirically assess the impact of developers on biodiversity loss and evaluate whether the BNG regulation has effectively limited biodiversity loss. It also seeks to identify the challenges developers face in implementing the regulation. The project is flexible in its methodological approach, allowing for either quantitative analysis of a large sample of developers or qualitative case studies of local councils and planning authorities. This flexibility enables the successful candidate to tailor their research proposal according to their interests and expertise.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project bridges business practice and environmental science, synthesizing concepts from both fields. Candidates will receive comprehensive training in interdisciplinary research methods, as well as ongoing support from the Sustainable Transitions management team and their supervisory team. All doctoral scholars benefit from Proficio, which provides £2,500 for training courses, and Sustainable Transitions scholars receive an additional £10,000 for research costs and further training. Scholars are encouraged to audit relevant masters and degree-level courses and will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’, gaining access to events and networking opportunities.

This studentship is ideal for candidates with a background in accounting or business management, especially those who have studied corporate social responsibility at the master's level. Prior training in biodiversity is not required, as the programme provides necessary training. However, candidates must be willing to learn new methodologies outside their primary discipline. The project area is broadly defined, allowing applicants to develop their own specific research proposal, which will be refined in consultation with the supervisory team.

Funding for the studentship includes a stipend of £20,780 for 2025-26, plus additional support for training and research costs. The application deadline is 13 April 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Essex postgraduate research portal and prepare a research proposal tailored to the project area. For further guidance, applicants may contact the Sustainable Transitions management team.