Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Colchester
Funding for: UK Students, Self-funded Students
Funding amount: Living costs stipend at the UK Research and Innovation recommended level per year. The stipend for 2024-25 is £19,237. The rate for 2025-26 TBA.
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 21st November 2024
Closes: 7th February 2025
Reference: 11362 Business_Life Science
Project Overview
This is an opportunity to conduct fully funded interdisciplinary research under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.
The project provides the opportunity to analyse the contributions that businesses and governmental organizations are providing in relation to biodiversity conservation, by studying the ways that developers are applying the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) regulation applicable in England. This regulation, which has become mandatory since February 2024, affects some types of developers in England who, unless exempt, are required to provide a 10% increase in the biodiversity value of habitats within their development. This can be delivered by improving on-site habitats, off-site habitats, or by purchasing statutory biodiversity credits.
This project aims to investigate the impact that developers have on biodiversity loss and to assess whether their impact on biodiversity loss has improved after the enactment of the BNG regulation. The purpose of the study is therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of the regulation in limiting biodiversity loss and to identify the challenges developers face in implementing this regulation. There is scope to approach this project from a number of different perspectives. This could include the use of quantitative methodologies, using a large sample of developers in England, quantitative methodologies, by focusing on a few local councils or planning authorities, and/or mixed methods.
Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods
The interdisciplinary nature of the project lies in the understanding of the relationship between business practice and biodiversity, by synthesising concepts and methodologies from these disciplines. The purpose of the project is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to biodiversity conservation by considering aspects of ecological (e.g. biodiversity monitoring practices, ecological informatics) and business relevance (e.g. non-financial reporting practices, accounting mechanisms, corporate governance structures).
Person Specification
This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in accounting or business management. In particular, students who have studied corporate social responsibility at master’s level may be well suited. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in biodiversity as training can be provided on the programme. However, an active willingness to learn new methodologies outside the business/accounting domain would be essential.
