Oyster reef restoration for biodiversity outcomes
The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University are pleased to offer a scholarship funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research.
This scholarship supports research into how oyster reef structure influences biodiversity. The project focuses on understanding interstitial spacing to improve reef restoration designs and enhance ecological outcomes.
Key details
- 20257860
- PhD
- Expressions of interest open now until 3 December 2025
- Domestic, International
- Science
- AUD39,700 (2026 rate, tax-exempt) while on Macquarie University campus; £19,775 per annum pro rata while on University of St Andrews campus with an annual uplift published by the University each year
About the scholarship
Oyster reefs are important estuarine habitats that provide shoreline stabilisation, water filtration, and nursery habitat for fish and invertebrates. However destructive industrial harvesting during the 19th and 20th centuries caused the collapse of 85 per cent of oyster reefs globally, making them one of the most imperilled marine ecosystems.
To counteract losses, restoration efforts are increasing, often aimed at biodiversity and fisheries enhancement. Restoration typically involves providing a hard base for reef growth and/or seeding oysters at suitable locations. Success, however, is variable, and monitoring is critical to identify methods that maximise success.
A key knowledge gap lies in the relationship between oyster reef structure – particularly interstitial spacing – and associated biodiversity. High oyster density is often assumed to be a desirable attribute, but preliminary observations by Bishop and McDougall suggest it may reduce species abundance and diversity – potentially by limiting protective spaces between oysters or increasing mortality of larvae of colonising species through filtration.
This project aims to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding how interstitial spacing influences biodiversity of oyster reefs across biogeographical regions, informing reef restoration design to maximise ecological benefits.
This project 'Optimising the design of oyster reef restoration projects for biodiversity outcomes' will be co-supervised by Professor Melanie Bishop and Dr Carmel McDougall.
Eligibility
Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.
For St Andrews, please refer to details of how to apply and of entry requirements here.
For Macquarie University, please refer to the PhD entry and English language requirements, and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.
Mode of study
Full-time
Year of entry
2026-2027 academic year (St Andrews), 2026 academic year (Macquarie).
Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset. In terms of their location for study, the entry point for students beginning at St Andrews is 27 September. If beginning at Macquarie, entry point is 1 October.
Additional criteria
Applicants must not already (i) hold a doctoral degree; or (ii) be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews, Macquarie University, or another institution.
Duration of award
Up to three and a half years. The student will be expected to spend half of the award term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University. The successful candidate will be expected to have completed the doctorate degree by the end of the award term. The award term excludes the continuation period and any extension periods.
Funding
Funding arrangements are made on the basis that:
For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise a full tuition fee award and an annual stipend paid at a rate set by the University of St Andrews. For 2025-2026, the stipend is £19,775 p.a., with an annual uplift published by the University each academic year.
Macquarie will fund a living allowance scholarship per position at an annual rate of AUD39,700 (2026 rate, tax exempt), paid pro-rata while the student is in Australia. A tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 42 months.
Macquarie will also provide an airfare allowance for flights between the UK and Australia up to a maximum of $4,000 AUD to be arranged by the Graduate Research Academy.
Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- any continuation, extension, or resubmission period/fees
- a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses
- support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.
Expressions of interest open now until 3 December 2025.
Students are to submit their EOIs to the MQ and St Andrew’s supervisor and cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au. The participating schools at St Andrews and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will be expected to complete the selection process.
EOI documents to be submitted:
- CV including information about publications
- transcripts of most relevant or recent degrees
- information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight or length in comparison to the degree overall)
- statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
- indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by mid-January 2026, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to formally apply for the relevant PhD course code and Cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the MQ application portal.