Research in natural sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences's research tackles global challenges in issues such as food security, changing environments, behaviour and evolution, digital economies and biodiversity.
We’re internationally renowned for our natural science research that explores the complex interrelationships between human behaviours, technologies, and biological, environmental and aquatic systems.
Find out more about our postgraduate research in natural sciences.
Research areas
PhD opportunities in Natural Sciences
We offer a vibrant, supportive environment for postgraduate researchers in natural sciences. Take a closer look at the subject areas we offer PhD supervision in and find out how to apply.
Biological and Environmental Sciences
Research Spotlights

Saving Europe's freshwaters
Find out how our research has been critical to implementing major new policies to repair tens of thousands of water bodies across Europe.

Aquaculture research
Our Institute of Aquaculture's priorities reflect a global interest in understanding how aquaculture can support the rapidly increasing human population without depleting wild-fish stocks.
News

Study explores how Nigeria can achieve its fish production target
Researchers have analysed how Nigeria can achieve its target of producing 2.5 million tonnes of farmed fish annually, and believe their work could provide similar insights in other countries.

Building a buzz: robot bees to simulate pollination
Two scientists from the UK and the US have been jointly awarded £640,000 to build microrobots that simulate the buzzing of bees.