Restorative Soundscapes in Botanical Gardens: Exploring Sound in Conservation & Community Well-Being University College London in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme, invites applications for the project 'Restorative Soundscapes in Botanical Gardens: Exploring the Role of Sound in Conservation and Community Well-being'. Hosted at University College London (UCL) Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, the research will be conducted in collaboration with the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberystwyth University.

The project investigates how soundscapes in botanical gardens contribute to individual and community well-being, biodiversity, inclusivity, and conservation. Fieldwork will be based at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, examining the interplay of natural and human sounds, voices, and stories within the garden environment. The research aims to understand how these soundscapes influence feelings of calm, connection, identity, and well-being, and how sound design can enhance inclusivity for diverse visitors, including Welsh-speaking communities, neurodiverse individuals, and those with visual impairments.

Key research questions include: how soundscapes can be designed to foster well-being; the ecological and psychological effects of sound in green spaces; application of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscape) (Wales) Act in conservation areas; and strategies for engaging underrepresented groups with nature through sound.

Supervision is provided by Dr Francesco Aletta (UCL), Dr Laura Jones (National Botanic Garden of Wales), Mr Donald Murray (National Botanic Garden of Wales), and Dr Llewelyn Hopwood (Aberystwyth University). The studentship offers tuition fees up to the UKRI home rate (£5,238 for 2026/27), with potential coverage of UCL international fees pending approval. A minimum stipend of £21,805 per year, plus £2,000 London Weighting and £600 CDP maintenance payment, is provided. Additional funding includes a travel grant of up to £750 per year for four years and research expenses up to £400 per year from NBGW. The funding duration is 48 months (4 years) full-time or up to 8 years part-time, with a start date of 1 October 2026.

Applicants should meet UCL IEDE PhD Programme Entry Requirements, ideally holding a relevant Masters-level qualification or equivalent experience in soundscape studies, environmental psychology, social sciences, geography, digital humanities, heritage management, or acoustic engineering. The minimum English language requirement is UCL Level 2. Welsh language skills are desirable but not essential, with opportunities for skill development provided. Candidates must be willing to engage with both UCL and NBGW in person and online, and participate in professional development activities for CDP students.

To apply, submit your CV by email to [email protected] with the subject 'Restorative Soundscapes PhD application', and complete the Restorative Soundscapes in Botanical Gardens Studentship Pre-Application Form. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026 (11:59pm UK time). Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview during the week commencing 11 May 2026.

For further information, contact the PhD Administration team at UCL/IEDE ([email protected]), Dr Francesco Aletta ([email protected]), or Dr Laura Jones ([email protected]). Additional details can be found on the UCL IEDE and National Botanic Garden of Wales websites.