The role of culture in human biological evolution

About the project

About the Project Humans are unique in the extent to which behavioural variation due to culture has the potential to impact our biological evolution. This PhD will investigate how variation in marriage practice affects genetic and phenotypic variation in three traditional ethnic groups in Madagascar. One group has a strong caste system with strict marriage rules, one has a weak caste system with fewer marriage rules, and one has no castes and permissive marriage. If marriage rules affect assortative mating it is expected that it will also impact genetic and biological diversity. The student will analyse existing data collected by the supervisory team that includes extensive social, cultural, genomic, and phenotypic data from 325 married couples in Madagascar. They will measure the extent to which marriage rules can either maintain biological differences among social groups, or alternatively create a more biologically homogenous community. The findings may have important health or social implications. Topic details ESRC Research Priority Areas Understanding behaviour Research skills it would be helpful to have Computational skills including programming (e.g. R, Python) are desired. However, anyone with a commitment to learning these skills should apply, as the supervisory team can provide necessary training Supervisory team Lead Supervisor - Dr Jason Hodgson, Ecology, Evolution and Environment Research Centre (EEE), School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, jason.hodgson@aru.ac.uk Second Supervisor - Professor Andrea Manica, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, am315@cam.ac.uk About the CAM-DTP studentship This topic is offered through the Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP), a partnership of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Cambridge. An ESRC-funded CAM-DTP studentship supports 3.5–4.5 years of full-time study, and part-time study (minimum 50% of full-time) is particularly encouraged. The studentship provides: Tuition fees up to the value of the national UKRI rate for Home fees An annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per annum in 2026–27 for full-time students) Up to £900 from the department to support research training A personalised training programme to develop research, communication, employability and personal skills Support for a required three-month placement (an Innovation Fellowship) with an academic or non-academic partner Studentships start on 1 October 2027. Further details: cam-dtp.ac.uk/students/the-studentship . Eligibility Applicants should have (or expect to achieve) at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is desirable. Applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Both full-time and part-time applicants are welcome. CAM-DTP particularly encourages applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds or who have experienced educational disadvantage, and those with inter- or cross-disciplinary interests. Home and international students are eligible. International students receive fees at the Home rate only and must secure an additional scholarship to cover the difference between Home and international fees (evidence is required at application), as well as the costs of a UK visa and immigration health surcharge (around £3.5k). The studentship is based at ARU (Cambridge), and students are expected to live within reasonable travel distance of their campus. How to apply Contact the lead supervisor first. Before applying, contact Dr Jason Hodgson ( jason.hodgson@aru.ac.uk ) to discuss the topic and your research proposal. Applications should not be made without speaking to the supervisory team first. Apply through the ARU online portal by 15 November 2026 , selecting the October 2027 entry option marked ‘CAM-DTP Only’. Using the wrong intake may mean your application is not considered for CAM-DTP funding. The application link for this topic is on the ARU CAM-DTP studentships page . Prepare the following documents: degree certificates and transcripts; a personal statement explaining your suitability for the project; a research outline setting out the gap in knowledge and your proposed methodology; a CV; passport and visa or EU Settlement Scheme share code (if applicable); and email addresses for two referees. Shortlisting and interview. Applicants will be contacted between 23 November and 4 December 2026. Online interviews will take place between 7 and 18 December 2026. Nomination. The successful candidate completes nomination forms with the supervisory team in January, and is nominated for CAM-DTP funding in early February 2027. Nomination does not guarantee funding. CAM-DTP does not accept direct applications. Questions about the application process: phdscholarships@aru.ac.uk .

Research areas