Primary supervisor: Professor Neil Hall

Scientific background

ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are an important and often overlooked group of organisms that play a key role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. These fungi form symbiotic associations with plants’ root systems, where the plants supply sugars to their fungal partners, and in return, ECMF provides essential nutrients and confer additional benefits, such as enhanced drought and salinity tolerance. In the face of rapid environmental change, understanding how different organisms respond to changing conditions is more important than ever. Despite the importance of ECMF for ecosystem functions, we still have limited understanding of their functional and genetic diversity. This project aims to reveal functional differences between ECMF species at the genomic level by studying variation in copy numbers of environmentally relevant genes, differential selective pressures on key genes, and changes in the regulation of gene expression related to nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycles in ecosystems.

Research methodology

This scholarship is ideally located between the Earlham Institute (EI) – which focuses on applying the latest in genomics – and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBGK) – which focuses on exploring and understanding fungal and plant diversity. The student will (1) use existing data to detect functional differences in ECMF based on genomic signatures, (2) use whole genome sequencing to detect population-level adaptation to different environmental constraints and (3) perform enzymatic activity and gene expression experiments to test functional differences in ECMF. To do this, the student will conduct fieldwork, microbiology experiments, comparative genomics and transcriptomic analyses.

an exercise

The integration of field, laboratory and bioinformatics training offered by this project provides an exciting opportunity to develop a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued in both academia and industry. EI is at the forefront of genomics and bioinformatics, giving the student access to cutting-edge training opportunities in coding, data science, and basic principles of computational analysis. The student will receive specialist training in mycobiology, including safe laboratory and field work, through the global body for mycobiology research, RGBK.

Person specifications

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in fungal ecology and its evolution, and with previous programming experience and basic statistical skills.

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: Biology

Study method: Full or part 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.