# How to apply
**Source**: https://ecosolutions.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/how-to-apply
**Parent**: https://ecosolutions.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/home
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# How to apply
### ECOSOLUTIONS DTP is now open for applications for September 2026 start. Deadline: Sunday 30th November 2025.
[Apply now](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccXfdmDyIzpZJhDsd-nczA-Hn1I0fNpMXMD5lZVmqon9uDfQ/viewform)
### Are you passionate about solving complex environmental challenges? Interested in creating non-toxic rural landscapes and food systems that benefit society and nature alike?
These exciting PhD projects, part of the NERC-funded ECOSOLUTIONS Doctoral Focal Award, offer the opportunity to help tackle the problem of chemical pollution in rural environments.
Projects available:
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- Project 1 - [The environmental benefits and risks of innovative urine-based fertilisers in sustainable agriculture](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/the-environmental-benefits-and-risks-of-innovative-urine-based-fertilisers-in-sustainable-agriculture/?p189438) (Dr Jason Snape, York)
- Project 2 - [Pollutants and land use pressures: impacts on food production, ecosystem services and human health](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/ecosolutions-dfa-pollutants-and-land-use-pressures-impacts-on-food-production-ecosystem-services-and-human-health/?p189373) (Dr Maria Val Martin, Sheffield)
- Project 3 - [Is biochar production the answer to biosolid reuse?](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/is-biochar-production-the-answer-to-biosolid-reuse/?p189445) (Dr Mark Hodson, York)
- Project 4 - [Source to sea: understanding and managing the risks of chemical contamination in coastal fisheries](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/source-to-sea-understanding-and-managing-the-risks-of-chemical-contamination-in-coastal-fisheries/?p189449) (Professor Alistair Boxall, York)
- Project 5 - [Harnessing plants and fungi for the bioremediation of pollutants in wastewater-derived sludge](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/harnessing-plants-and-fungi-for-the-bioremediation-of-pollutants-in-wastewater-derived-sludges/?p189451)s (Dr Liz Rylott, York)
- Project 6 - [Farming futures: comparing regenerative and conventional practices on soil, chemical use, and ecosystems in a changing climate](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/farming-futures-comparing-regenerative-and-conventional-practices-on-soil-chemical-use-and-ecosystems-in-a-changing-climate/?p189800) (Dr Sam Harrison (UKCEH)
- Project 7 - [Understanding interactions between wastewater and pesticides on the fate of AMR in fields](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/ecosolutions-dfa-understanding-interactions-between-wastewater-and-pesticides-on-the-fate-of-amr-in-fields/?p189380) (Dr Ellie Harrison, Sheffield)
- Project 8 - [IMEMRE: Development of an impact measurement (Immune, Emergence, Resistance) for food systems chemicals on human immune disease, infection and AMR](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/ecosolutions-dfa-imemre-development-of-an-impact-measurement-immune-emergence-resistance-for-food-systems-chemicals-on-human-immune-disease-infection-and-amr/?p189394) (Prof Simon Johnston, Sheffield)
- Project 9 - [Forever chemicals in agricultural food systems](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/forever-chemicals-in-agricultural-food-systems/?p190059) (Dr Elma Lahive, UKCEH)
- Project 10 - [Understanding impacts of innovative agri-tech pest and disease control solutions on biodiversity and emergent ecosystem processes](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/understanding-impacts-of-innovative-agri-tech-pest-and-disease-control-solutions-on-biodiversity-and-emergent-ecosystem-processes/?p190230) (Dr Pragna Das, York)
- Project 11 - [Harnessing microbes and cold plasma to concentrate and destroy PFA ‘forever chemicals’](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/ecosolutions-dfa-harnessing-microbes-and-cold-plasma-to-concentrate-and-destroy-forever-chemicals-in-food-associated-ecosystems/?p189384) (Dr Oliver Meacock, Sheffield)
- Project 12 - [Future projections and sustainable scenarios for UK agricultural systems](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/future-projections-and-sustainable-scenarios-for-uk-agricultural-systems/?p189898) (Dr Stephen Lofts, UKCEH)
- Project 13 - [Fast-tracking food safety: cutting-edge mass spectrometry for protecting food supplies from hidden environmental contaminants](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/unavoidable-food-waste-valorisation-detection-hazard-and-risk-of-rogue-chemical-residues/?p189428) (Dr Jackie Mosely, York)
- Project 14 - [Investigating the ecological benefits and implications of circular sanitation fertiliser production](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/can-a-novel-sustainable-fertiliser-reduce-the-environmental-impacts-of-future-farming/?p189581) (Dr Ben Keane, York)
- Project 15 - [Unavoidable food waste valorisation: detection, hazard and risk of rogue chemical residues](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/unavoidable-food-waste-valorisation-detection-hazard-and-risk-of-rogue-chemical-residues/?p189428) (Professor Avtar Matharu, York)
- Project 16 - [Uncovering the mechanisms of pharmaceuticals impact on agricultural productivity](https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/ecosolutions-dfa-quantifying-pharmaceutical-effects-on-microbial-and-aboveground-trophic-ecology-using-food-web-models/?p189386) (Professor Andrew Beckerman, Sheffield)
### What happens next?
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All applications will be assessed by the ECOSOLUTIONS executive committee to identify candidates who meet the PhD entry requirements and demonstrate a strong motivation to join the ECOSOLUTIONS programme. Successful candidates will then be invited to an interview which will be online and take place in January 2026.
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### Helpful videos to support you during the application process:
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[Preparing your PhD application](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V47SLYIzqW8) (YouTube)
Watch this video for some top tips on writing PhD applications, including what skills and competencies you could include.
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[How to prepare for a PhD interview and presentation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfzN9u_fT8M) (YouTube)
Watch this video for tips on how to approach an interview and presentation.
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[Tips on meeting your potential supervisors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-deaUQcYlU) (YouTube)
Watch this video to find out what to expect and what you can achieve from meeting with the supervisor or supervisory team.
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