Efficacy of Enhanced Weathering as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Strategy University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Project Overview: This PhD project investigates the efficacy of terrestrial enhanced weathering (EW) as a scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy. EW accelerates the natural process of CO2 removal by applying crushed calcium- and magnesium-rich silicate rocks to agricultural soils, with the potential to deliver significant climate mitigation benefits by 2050. The project addresses key challenges in understanding the biogeochemical processes that regulate CO2 uptake and in developing robust, cost-effective protocols for monitoring, reporting, and verifying CDR.

Research Focus: You will conduct novel biogeochemical analyses of soils, soil and river waters, and plant materials from pioneering long-term EW field trials in the UK and overseas. The research will explore the effects of soil cation exchange and secondary mineral formation on CDR efficiency, and develop new methods for quantifying CDR in collaboration with academic partners at the University of Sheffield, Rothamsted Research, and the CASE partner ZeroEX. The project is based at the University of Southampton, within the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences.

Training and Development: The IGNITE programme offers comprehensive personal and professional development, including training in advanced geochemical techniques (ICP-MS, isotopic analysis), use of geochemical models (PHREEQC, CO2SYS), and novel in situ methods for CO2 quantification. You will gain hands-on experience in field sampling and benefit from a multidisciplinary research environment with strong academic and industry links.

Funding: The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides full funding for 3.5 years (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), full tuition (Home and International), and a Research Training Support Grant (£2200/year). The University waives the difference between Home and International tuition fees. Both UK and international students are eligible, though international places are limited.

Eligibility: Applicants should have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject (e.g., environmental science, earth science, chemistry). International equivalents are accepted. English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components or equivalent) is required. The programme encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised groups.

Application Process: Apply by 11:59pm on 8th January 2026 via the provided link. Contact the lead supervisor to discuss your suitability before applying. You may apply for up to two projects but are advised to tailor your application to one. For further details, see the University of Southampton and IGNITE DLA programme websites.