AI for Nature: Using computer science to reconnect fragmented freshwater ecosystems

About the project

About the Project Supervisory Team: Professor Paul Kemp and Dr Andrew Vowles Freshwater ecosystems are the most degraded on the planet and the species they support the most threatened. Innovative technology can help halt biodiversity loss and degradation of freshwater habitats. This project will employ computer science to solve challenges in identifying and managing dams and weirs that fragment critical river habitat. In the UK, government initiatives, such as the Plan for Water, focus on both reducing pollution and improving the environment. Infrastructure, such as dams, weirs and culverts, is a major cause of habitat fragmentation in UK rivers. Such barriers impede the movement of fish and other animals between essential habitats, negatively impacting population status. Effective river rehabilitation requires cost-effective mitigation of the environmental impact of these barriers, with strategic catchment-scale selection of barriers to be removed or modified (e.g. provision of a fish pass) known to provide the most rapid and largest improvements in fish production and ecological status. This project will demonstrate the potential for innovative catchment scale assessment of potential environmental impacts of the river infrastructure network and the prioritisation of cost-effective mitigation options to maximise environmental benefit while maintaining social and economic utility. This project is ideal if you are interested in sustainability and would like to apply your skills to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems. You will join at highly interdisciplinary team comprising biologists, engineers, computer scientists, and experts in natural resource management, Geospatial Information Systems and remote sensing. Entry requirements You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of the following: mathematics computer science a related area An MSc qualification in a related area and a full, clean driving licence are desirable. Fees and funding For UK students, tuition fees will be paid and you'll receive a tax-free living stipend. This project is fully funded by the Water Industry. How to apply Apply now You need to: choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences select Full time or Part time search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175) add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application Applications should include: your CV (resumé) 2 academic references degree transcripts and certificates to date English language qualification (if applicable) Contact us Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences If you have a general question, feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk . Project leader For an initial conversation, P.Kemp@soton.ac.uk . The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Research areas