Nick Hanley

This fully funded PhD project at the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and Zulu Ecosystems, addresses the critical challenge of ensuring high-integrity carbon credits in regenerative agriculture. Regenerative agriculture is increasingly recognized for its potential to restore soil organic carbon (SOC), enhance biodiversity, and deliver broad ecosystem benefits. However, the credibility of carbon credits from these systems is often questioned due to mixed evidence for long-term SOC sequestration and reliance on modelled estimates with limited field calibration. Biodiversity improvements are frequently assumed rather than systematically measured, creating uncertainty for stakeholders and risking the legitimacy of regenerative agriculture as a climate mitigation strategy. The project aims to develop an integrated scientific framework to evaluate soil health, soil biodiversity, and ecological indicators that underpin robust carbon credits in regenerative farming. Key objectives include: quantifying realistic SOC change trajectories using meta-analysis and modelling; identifying sensitive, scalable biodiversity and soil-health indicators (with a focus on microbial communities and functional traits); evaluating how these indicators can be incorporated into emerging carbon-credit methodologies and policy frameworks; and assessing the impact of different metrics on farmer participation, costs, and revenue within carbon-credit schemes. Students will work with pilot landholdings through Zulu Ecosystems, combining ecological data, soil biogeochemistry, functional trait analysis, and environmental economics. The outcome will be a cross-disciplinary, operational framework for integrating regenerative agriculture into carbon markets, supporting incentives for measurable ecosystem recovery while maintaining productive farming systems. The ideal candidate will be motivated to tackle real-world sustainability challenges at the interface of soil science, biodiversity, agriculture, and nature markets. Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) at least a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as agriculture, soil science, biology, environmental science, ecology, geography, or geoecology. Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and willingness to work across ecological, economic, and policy domains are essential. Desirable skills include quantitative data analysis and statistical modelling (preferably in R), GIS for spatial analysis, experience with field or laboratory data collection, and an interest in soil carbon, biodiversity indicators, regenerative farming, or climate mitigation. Knowledge of the economics of nature markets is advantageous. Funding is guaranteed for 4 years at the UKRI national rate, including a tax-free stipend of £20,780 (2025/26), home tuition fees, extensive research support, and an external placement of up to 6 months. Both home and international students are eligible, with limited international fee waivers available. Part-time study is possible with pro rata funding. The application deadline is January 30, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the project page or contact the primary supervisor. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture and climate policy through rigorous, interdisciplinary research.