Postgraduate Research
The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) welcomes opportunities to work with outstanding PhD students on research projects within our areas of expertise. Motivated by some of the world’s biggest challenges, we carry out research and put our work into action where it’s needed most – from the developing world to industrialised countries. We’re interdisciplinary, world-renowned and we’ve been recognised with prestigious awards for our work.
Here, your research will make an impact.
Study a postgraduate research degree at NRI, and you’ll be immersed into our thriving research community. With structured training in research methods, methodology, core skills, specialist supervision and support, begin your career with us in a range of disciplines spanning food, environment, agriculture and sustainable development. As a research student at NRI, you’ll join one of the Research Groups within our Research Centres where your studies will form an integral part of their work. You’ll also benefit from membership of our vibrant NRI Postgraduate Society.
Pathways for Recruiting PhD Students
Explore the various pathways for recruiting PhD students.
London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme (LIDo)
Students wishing to carry out research in the biological sciences can apply for a PhD studentship under the London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme (LIDo) funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). NRI is one of the institutions at which a LIDo studentship can be held.
UCL, Bloomsbury and East London (UBEL)
Outstanding students wishing to carry out research in the social sciences can apply for a PhD studentship under the UCL, Bloomsbury and East London (UBEL) Doctoral Training Partnership funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. NRI is one of the institutions at which a UBEL studentship can be held.
NRI Research Funded PhD Opportunities
NRI advertises from time-to-time specific funded PhD opportunities arising from its research projects, as well as studentships funded by the University of Greenwich.
Commonwealth Scholarships
Applicants for Commonwealth Scholarships who have already been nominated by their respective National Nominating Agencies are invited to contact at most two individual members of NRI staff who they identify as sharing their research interests, or to contact the Leaders of one of NRI’s Research Centres, attaching a CV, an outline research proposal, and proof of nomination.
Additional Information
Potential students who have a confirmed source of funding for tuition fees, research costs and living expenses are invited to contact NRI’s Postgraduate Admin Officer Yuyang Zhang at
Scholarship and Fee Waiver Policy
We regret that we are not in a position to grant scholarships, other than those specifically advertised, or waive fees (opens in a new tab). We strongly advise candidates to hold discussions with appropriate NRI staff before applying to the University of Greenwich through its online application system. More information is available on the University process and requirements page. (opens in a new tab)
Current and Recent PhD Students
Molly Foster
The 'framing battle' for meat: perspectives from UK food activism
Harrison Hardy
The interactions between climateadapted rice agricultural systems and vector-borne disease
Abubakar Ibrahim
Comparative vulnerability assessment for strengthening adaptive capacity and food security of rural communities in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria
Immaculate M Mwangangi
Enhancing Striga resistance and tolerance in sorghum by improved host nutrition
Lizzie Saka
A food systems approach to understanding and supporting contributions of small pelagic fish to human diets and nutrition in Malawi
Hamed Johnny Sarnavi
Upgrading flatbed dryers along with solar-powered systems for small enterprise of cassava processing in developing countries