Gordon Watson

A fully funded PhD studentship is available through the NERC TREES Doctoral Landscape Award to investigate the diversity of aquatic organisms kept in public aquariums. The project, titled 'What’s in your aquarium?', is a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). The research will use data from the UK zoo licensing system to analyze the diversity of species in public aquaria and zoos, comparing invertebrates and vertebrates, marine and freshwater species, and temperate versus tropical environments. The student will also explore links between biodiversity and organizational types, as well as the relationship between species kept and their IUCN red-list status. The project involves both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including sourcing novel data from local authorities. Outputs will inform best practices in husbandry and support conservation efforts, including recommendations for coordinated management and breeding programs. The position is fully funded, covering tuition and a stipend, and is open to candidates with a strong background in biology, environmental science, or related fields. The successful applicant will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and contribute to impactful research in biodiversity conservation. The application deadline is 17 December 2025, with a start date in October 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the project website or contact the supervisors.