The School of Biological Sciences has a world-leading reputation for pure and applied research across the biological sciences, with a broad cross-cutting theme of understanding the fundamental biological consequences of global environmental change. Our research and education in plant and soil science, promoting the control of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable food production, has been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize, the highest honour for UK further and higher education.
The Anthony and Margaret Johnston Centre for Doctoral Training in Plant Sciences, enabled by a generous legacy gift, will support successive cohorts of doctoral students to undertake training and research related to our core themes of Biodiversity and Evolution, Interactions and Global Change.
Our research staff and students benefit from our state-of-the-art laboratory, analytical and research facilities, including major recent investment in greenhouse facilities, the multi-omics Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine, and a high-performance computing cluster.
Projects currently open to applications
Phytochemical diversity and community assembly in Southeast Asian dipterocarps
The nutritional value of under-utilised crops in Ethiopia
Barley-Mediated Nitrification Inhibition: Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency in a Changing Climate
Application process
To apply, please submit the following documents:
- A completed copy of the Plant Science CDT Student Application Form
- A cover letter to the supervisor of the project for which you are applying
- An up-to-date copy of your CV with information on your academic qualifications and any work or other relevant experience
- Clear copies of your degree certificates and transcripts (if available).
Your application should be submitted as a single email to pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk with the subject line: "Plant Science CDT - [Your Name]"
The deadline for applications is 23:59 GMT on 30th March 2026, incomplete applications will not be considered.
For any application enquiries, please contact pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk