As part of the FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) call for proposals, Anglia Rushkin University (ARU) from the East of England, is developing the Building networks for training in urban biodiversity ITN.
ARU is searching for partners – universities, the urban development/building sector, urban/landscape planners, ecological consultants, conservation bodies and local government – to join its consortium.
Project Goal
The ITN aims to train a new generation of professionals to work in academia, conservation, ecological consultancy, the development industry and local government in the understanding and practice of urban biodiversity provision. The project seeks to improve the information flows between these sectors, which would, in turn, contribute to the enhanced condition of biodiversity for the benefit of residents, developers and biodiversity itself.
Specifically, the project will equip three experienced researchers (postdoctoral level) and between eight and ten early stage researchers (PhD students) with the specialised research skills and knowledge of the benefits, potential, value and constraints associated with urban biodiversity and green-space design. There will be a strong emphasis on the transfer of knowledge between sectors so that trainees are well-equipped to fully understand the wide complexity of urban biodiversity issues. The result will be effective employees, familiar with important cross-sectoral issues and constraints.
As well as the primary aim of researcher training, the project will build capacity for further research and co-operation in partner and associate institutions.
Additional information about the project is available in the attached document.
Please contact Dr. Alvin Helden, project lead at ARU’s Department of Life Sciences if interested in pursuing this opportunity.
