People–plant interactions: tackling a major but neglected biodiversity shortfall

The student will be provided with 1h weekly opportunities to meet with at least one of their supervisors, in addition to regular group meetings with the main supervisor’s research group at Queen Mary University of London and ad hoc meetings when required. The student will also have access to RBG Kew’s facilities, including herbarium, seed and living collections, as well as databases, including the World Checklist of Vascular Plants and the World Checklist of Useful Plants. Kew hosts a vibrant scientific community attracting research visitors from around the world working on a wide array of topics. The student will also be part of a community comprising more than 100 PhD students based at Kew, QMUL, and around the world. It will offer a unique opportunity for the student to build an international network of present and future collaborators. While most of the work will rely on data collection, analyses, interpretation and communication, the student will also have the opportunity to meet with potential partners and to present their work at international and national conferences. Training in macroecology (e.g., species distribution modelling and mapping), phylogenetic analyses, and data analyses will also be made available. Access to High Performance Computing facilities (i.e., Apocrita at QMUL) and training will also be provided to the student. The project will offer numerous opportunities for the student to develop research avenues more in line with their personal interest, thus we seek applicants with initiative and creativity.