Blue Economy

The University of Stirling promotes research that contributes to economic development and regeneration, attracting investment, and that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive world.

This is achieved by tackling major global challenges, changing lives, and creating a more sustainable and inclusive world through our mission-focused, interdisciplinary research grouped under three themes: Healthy Ageing and Dementia, Delivering Change and Tackling Global Food Security. The University is pleased to offer the opportunity for up to three fully funded PhD studentships under an interdisciplinary Blue Economy cluster.

The Blue Economy is increasingly recognized as a vital component for sustainable food production, offering significant potential to address global food security challenges. As the world's population continues to grow, the demand for nutritious and sustainable food sources intensifies. The Blue Economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health, plays a crucial role in meeting this demand. One of the primary areas of focus within the Blue Economy for food production is aquaculture, the farming of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Aquaculture has emerged as one of the fastest-growing food production sectors, providing nearly half of the world's seafood. However, there is a need for more sustainable practice for improved resource use and resilience to climate change.

The Blue Economy also emphasizes the nutritional benefits of blue foods. These are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, making them valuable for improving global nutrition and health. Economically, aquaculture also creates job opportunities and supports livelihoods in coastal and in-land rural communities, that fosters economic resilience and poverty reduction.

Deadline: Submit a project proposal for this cluster by 24 March, 2025.

Research projects will be considered in the following interdisciplinary areas:

• Aquaculture production and practice – considering areas such as sustainability through improved husbandry and breeding programmes, improved health and welfare practices, development of sustainable feeds, regulation and governance and ecosystem-based management.
• Climate resilience – considering areas such as the effect of ocean and freshwater warming, water supply, land-use change, and adaptive management strategies, including contributions to net-zero and climate mitigation.
• Socio-economic and societal benefits – considering areas such as community livelihoods, market access and economic viability of sustainable practices, and nutritional benefits and promotion of consumption of Blue Foods.

It is expected that one PhD studentship will be allocated to each of these areas.