Vegetation is vital for protecting riverbanks, restoring ecosystems and safeguarding the water environment. Due to the complexity of flow-vegetation interaction, previous studies mainly focused on the influence of single-type vegetation on flow, which is far unrealistic. Mixed vegetation of various types often exists in natural rivers and wetlands; However, the effects of this mixed vegetation on the river flow are unclear. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the impact of mixed vegetation on river flow.

The research proposal will conduct novel experiments in a water flume covered with mixed vegetation of different types, aiming to understand the flow characteristics and establish a method for flow calculation. The outcomes of this research will unravel the underlying mechanisms of vegetated flow and provide a scientific basis for evaluating rivers and eco-environments, contributing to the field of river ecosystem management and environmental conservation.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), please visit:

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/entry-requirements/

https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/admissions/global/fees-and-scholarship

Supervisors:

• Principal supervisor: Dr Xiaonan Tang (XJTLU)
• Co-supervisor: Dr Ming Li (UoL)
• Co-supervisor: Professor Mohaddeseh Mousavi Nezhad UoL)

Requirements:

The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related fields, particularly preferable in hydraulics, fluid mechanics or water resources.

Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 99,000 per annum). It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. The scholarship holder is expected to carry out the major part of his or her research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, he or she is eligible for a research study visit to the University of Liverpool up to six months, if this is required by the project.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email [email protected] the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).

• CV
• Two formal reference letters
• Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
• Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
• Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
• PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Contact:

Please email [email protected] with a subject line of the PhD project title.

The principal supervisor’s profile is linked here:

https://scholar.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/persons/XiaoTang