Primary Supervisor – Dr. Tiziana Luisetti

Scientific background

Tipping points associated with climate change (e.g. slowing of North Atlantic currents) may pose risks to marine resources (e.g. fish) and people’s well-being (e.g. food security), with consequent economic impacts. This research aims to explore how projected tipping points in North Atlantic marine ecosystems could impact the economics and sustainability of UK marine resources, and identify trade-offs for policy and management interventions. This project is part of the Predicting Tipping Points in Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Responses (TiMBER) project of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

methodology

The initial review of frameworks such as “planetary commons” and natural capital accounting applied to the oceans sets the stage for the project to further develop and apply these frameworks in the following years to analyze marine resources in the North Atlantic. The use of ocean accounts allows the identification of current trends and emerging losses/gains at national and international levels that are also linked to the impacts of tipping points, while identifying potential threats to food security. The futures scenarios produced by TiMBER will then be used to analyze the trade-offs involved to inform economic analysis and estimate the consequences and opportunities of turning points for the UK, investigating how countries can contribute to managing and maintaining the commons.

an exercise

The PhD candidate will be based at the University of East Anglia and, as such, will benefit from Aries DTP training (e.g. summer and winter schools, tailored courses and workshops) and additional training at the University of East Anglia related to Environmental Economics and Econometrics. Further training will be provided by the CASE partner (Cefas) (eg, natural capital accounting, biogeochemistry, fisheries modelling). The doctoral candidate will acquire and/or enhance their understanding of interdisciplinary working, modeling and statistics applied to economics, trade-off analysis skills, and communication skills.

Person specifications

This interdisciplinary research is best suited to individuals with broad interests in understanding the impacts of climate change and the position to solve complex problems from theory to decision-making, combining several disciplines (e.g. economics and applied sciences). It is desirable that the candidate have strong statistical/mathematical knowledge and experience applying that knowledge to economics.

Entry requirements

At least a UK BA (Hons) equivalency of 2:1. English language requirements (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Acceptable first degree: Environmental Economics

Study method

Full time

Start date

October 1, 2026

Additional financing information

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRITerms and Conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded scholarship, which covers fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26) and a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). A limited number of scholarships are available to international applicants, with the difference between ‘national’ and ‘international’ fees waived by the registered university. However, please note that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with moving to and living in the UK, such as visa costs or additional health fees.