Evaluating the efficacy of a key conservation management tool for Southern Ocean benthos
Student Research Opportunity: The consequences of Hidden Biodiversity in the Southern Ocean
Are you interested in marine biology, conservation, and uncovering the consequences of hidden species diversity? Join an exciting research project exploring the rich but underestimated biodiversity of the Southern Ocean.
While early studies suggested widespread, resilient species across Antarctic ecosystems, modern DNA research reveals a different story—many “single” species are actually multiple, previously unrecognised species with limited distributions and greater vulnerability. This project will investigate how recognising these hidden species could reshape conservation priorities, including their potential impact on IUCN Red List assessments.
You’ll engage with cutting-edge data, biodiversity databases, and conservation frameworks to help answer a critical question: Is the Southern Ocean as resilient as we thought?
Ideal for students interested in marine ecology, conservation science, or biodiversity research.
Be part of discovering—and protecting—the ocean’s hidden diversity.
Click here to learn more and how to apply
The MRes (Marine Science) research programme provides the skills and knowledge in areas of marine science from coasts to deep ocean, and related fields of biogeochemistry, biotechnology and robotics.
Research projects can range from ‘blue sky’ science to applied research addressing pressing societal and environmental problems. You will gain knowledge in research design as well as in management and communication.
The programme is delivered by research-active scientists across multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, geology and social sciences. Research projects can be field based, desktop or in laboratories.