If you’re considering embarking on a PhD next year, there’s a great research project available for a student who wants to be part of an intergenerational shift towards sustainable food production.

The school is called Food Transitions 2050 and draws on the expertise of Lincoln University, the University of Canterbury, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and Plant & Food Research. Fifteen PhD research projects lie at the heart of the initiative.

This is a great opportunity to make a difference to future food sustainability and connect with industry at the same time.

About the project
Alternative land-uses and diverse landscapes may help address some of the environmental, social and economic pressures affecting the primary sector in New Zealand. Alongside these existing pressures, climate change is creating an uncertain future for how we use our land. This study will assess how future land use and management practices will fare in the face of climate change, using an economic approach to support decision-making under uncertainty (portfolio analysis).

The project is part of a new joint postgraduate school that draws on the expertise of scientists here at Lincoln, as well as the University of Canterbury, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, and Plant & Food Research. The primary supervisor is Associate Professor Anita Wreford, together with Dr. Edmar Teixeira at Plant and Food Research.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and interested in making a difference to the future of land-use in New Zealand. They will ideally have a background in either economics or finance, with an interest or experience in interdisciplinary research for the assessment of agroecosystem responses to climate. Candidates from other backgrounds with strong analytical skills will also be considered.

Fourteen other current PhD projects will be carried out in conjunction with the initiative.

Applying for a PhD project

If you would like to apply for the project, please email project supervisor Associate Professor Anita Wreford with a short CV and statement that includes:

Your reasons for pursuing this research project
Information about your academic achievements
Evidence of your previous experience in the field
Details on your career aspirations

Applications close on 12 December 2020 and you will need to be ready to start your research in March 2021.

If you are successful, you will receive an award of $28,000 and your course fees will also be covered.