PhD Studentship: Assessing Establishment and Efficacy of Rust Fungus Control of Himalayan Balsam

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds

Himalayan balsam (I. glandulifera), is an invasive plant which is notoriously problematic on riverbanks, forming monospecific stands which ultimately results in extirpation of native vegetation and can lead to bank erosion. In 2014, a biological control agent, rust fungus Puccinia komarovii, was approved for release in the EU and is being used across heavily invaded sites in the UK.

Over the 10 years since the initial inoculations the success of establishment and spread of the biocontrol has been variable between sites. The aim of this PhD project is to assess the impact of environmental conditions on rust fungus infection success of I.glandulifera. Working with CABI, Tweed Forum and Tees Rivers Trusts the student will collate existing monitoring and will undertake full site assessments, mapping key topographical features of the invaded riparian sites and catalogue flora present at the site using botanical survey methodology.

The project requires a student wishing to develop skills in fieldwork, data collation and ecological modelling with an interest in spatial ecology and monitoring methods. Modelling and mapping of the spatial spread and control efforts, will be used to determine the natural dispersal efficacy of the rust fungus to other invaded sites and allow the student to produce evidence based guidance on suitable release sites and a revision of monitoring requirements.

1

4th January 2027

3.5 years

Newcastle University

Prof Aileen Mill Zarah Pattison (Stirling University)

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project.

Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).