Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz

This fully funded MRes studentship at Coventry University is part of the Green4All project, a major initiative in partnership with Coventry City Council and other organizations to transform urban green and blue spaces in Coventry. The project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to address nature inequality, improve public health, and boost climate resilience by revitalizing parks, creating community gardens, restoring waterways, and developing natural corridors. The Green4All partnership includes Coventry University, University of Warwick, National Trust, John Muir Trust, and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, among others. The MRes project, supervised by Associate Professor Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz and Dr Liz Trenchard, focuses on mapping and evaluating the extent and condition of green and blue assets across Coventry using GIS and community mapping techniques. The research will involve a literature survey, ethics applications, collation and evaluation of spatial datasets, ground truthing, citizen science, constructing a blue-green map, and producing a 30,000-word thesis. The findings will inform strategies to halt biodiversity loss and support nature conservation for 30% of Coventry's area by 2030, contributing directly to the city's Green4All initiative and the UK government's urban planning and biodiversity targets. Applicants should have a strong background in GIS, geography, environmental science, or data science, with a minimum 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and at least 60% in relevant modules. Interest in urban biodiversity, citizen science, and community engagement, as well as strong GIS and data handling skills, are essential. English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component) is required. The studentship is open to UK and international graduates and is fully funded for 12 months, covering tuition fees and a bursary. Comprehensive research training and career development support are provided through Coventry University's Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development. To apply, candidates must submit full supporting documentation, a covering letter, and a 500-word supporting statement outlining their expertise and interests relevant to the project. The application deadline is 15 January 2026, with the start date in May 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Liz Trenchard. More information and application details can be found on the Coventry University research studentships webpage.