拉夫堡大学材料工程系招收博士研究生
Project
Nanostructured biomaterials for sustainable and resilience agriculture
About the Project
For some regions of the UK, the summer of 2022 was the fifth driest in a series from 1836, with daily river flows among the lowest ever recorded (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology). More frequent heatwaves and droughts like this one are forecast in the next years worldwide due to climate change. These events have a dramatic negative impact on agricultural productivity and food security.
Recent research has demonstrated that nanotechnology can offer promising strategies to improve crop yield, and crop nutritional quality, and reduce the use of toxic fertilizers by protecting seeds from abiotic stresses, such as water deficit and heat. Current approaches are based on the use of metallic nanoparticles that, however, raise concerns about their possible toxicity on different ecosystems.
This PhD project will focus on developing polymeric nanomaterials that will be non-toxic for the environment, biodegradable and able to respond to different environmental stimuli. The nanomaterials will be designed so they can interact with seeds to increase water uptake and keep optimum levels of reactive oxygen species. It is expected that these nanomaterials will modulate plant metabolism to activate germination and promote plant growth. The overarching aim of this research is to manufacture a new class of nanomaterials that have the potential of enhancing crop resilience to global climate change.
During this PhD project, you will acquire skills in polymer synthesis and nanofabrication methods for biomaterials. Also, you will use state-of-the-art facilities for the characterisation of the nanomaterials developed. You will work within a multidisciplinary department with extensive experience in polymer processing, polymer chemistry and sustainable materials.
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Elisa Mele
Secondary supervisor: Dr Helen Willcock
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Find out more about research degree funding
How to apply
All applications should be made online and must include a research proposal. Under the programme name, select 'Materials'. Please quote the advertised reference number AACME-23-031 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
Funding Notes
The AACME Studentship competition offers the chance for UK and International applicants who are interested in undertaking a PhD to have their full-time studies paid for.
Applicants could receive full or partial funding for 3-years, including a tax-free stipend of £17,668 (2022/23 rate) per annum, and/or a tuition fee waiver.
Studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to advertised projects within AACME with the reference ‘AACME-23-XXX’ with the end changing depending on the project number allocated. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of March 2023.
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