Project Overview: This PhD project at the University of Southampton aims to reconstruct tropical ocean temperature changes over the last 250 years using the chemical composition of long-lived coral skeletons. The research will address a critical question in climate science: Is the world already 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial period? By generating novel records of sea surface temperature (SST) from stony corals, the project seeks to pinpoint when anthropogenic warming began and to quantify the extent of tropical and global ocean warming since the pre-industrial era. Research Context: Determining the true pre-industrial baseline is challenging due to uncertainties in historical data and the timing of anthropogenic emissions. This project will overcome these challenges by serially sampling coral skeletons using advanced techniques such as laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). The resulting data will be used in state-of-the-art statistical and AI-based image processing to reconstruct climate fields for the Indian Ocean, a region closely tracking global temperature trends. The findings will have significant implications for understanding when the Paris Climate targets (+1.5°C and +2°C) may be breached and for refining estimates of remaining carbon budgets. Training and Environment: The successful candidate will join Prof. Foster’s large research group within the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, benefiting from a vibrant academic environment and comprehensive training through the IGNITE programme. Training will cover coral sampling, CT imaging, LA-ICPMS analysis, statistical and Bayesian methods, data assimilation, AI-based image processing, and coding. There are opportunities for international collaboration, conference attendance, and fieldwork in the Indian Ocean and at the Australian Institute for Marine Science (AIMS). Funding: The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides 3.5 years of funding (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), full Home tuition fees, a waiver for the difference between Home and International fees, and a Research Training Support Grant of £2,200 per year for project costs, conferences, and training. Eligibility: Applicants should have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject (or international equivalent). English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components, or equivalent). A background in environmental science, earth science, chemistry, or related fields is expected. Coding and statistical analysis skills are advantageous. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on 8th January 2026. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor to discuss suitability before applying. Both UK and international students are eligible, but international places are limited. The IGNITE programme supports diversity and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised backgrounds. References: Key literature includes recent advances in coral-based climate reconstruction and the challenges of defining the pre-industrial baseline (see Hughes et al. 2024, Thompson 2022, Voosen 2024). For more information, visit the project and supervisor web pages or contact the IGNITE DLA team at nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk.