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At the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, we are looking for a PhD candidate to study the effectiveness of restoration of grassland ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. For more information about the institute you can visit a short impression of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development on the social media channel of the Faculty of GeoSciences.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy calls for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems to recover biodiversity, ecosystem resilience and nature’s contributions to people. However, many landscapes have been heavily modified and are currently under pressure from anthropogenic stresses such as nitrogen deposition, habitat fragmentation and disruption of hydrological connections. Restoring ecosystems in such landscapes is not straightforward. Land-owning organizations, including NGO’s such as Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer, have been restoring ecosystems in the past decades. Herbaceous ecosystems such as grasslands and heathlands are often expected to recover naturally following restoration of local abiotic conditions. Alternatively, flora or (soil) fauna are transferred. The extent to which these practices are successful on the long term in restoring biodiversity in increasingly modified, agricultural landscapes remains unclear.
In this project we will analyse the recovery trajectories of restored grasslands in agricultural landscapes using field surveys and existing monitoring data. We will evaluate vegetation recovery and link this to restoration practices, environmental conditions, site and landscape management, and the distribution of remnant populations in the surrounding landscape as a source for re-colonization of the restored sites. We will collaborate and share knowledge with major land-owning NGO’s to develop effective policies and measures to sustain and restore grassland ecosystems.We gladly receive applications from candidates who:
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability. For an impression of the university, please visit Utrecht University Campus Tour.
Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including its’ ecosystems and man's utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.
As a PhD you will be based at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development: an interdisciplinary research institute hosting 270 researchers and more than 100 PhD students that collectively investigate and develop processes and opportunities for innovative change towards sustainability. The core mission of the Copernicus Institute is to have a positive impact on the transition to a sustainable society. This includes increasing the quality of the living environment and recovering biodiversity.
The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a historic centre and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its centuries-old university. Utrecht has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the Netherlands, and is well-connected to local and international transport hubs.
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