IGNITE

Welcome to IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award – Enabling Next Generation Environmental Research and Innovation

IGNITE is a NERC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) that aims to develop the next generation of researchers with the skills to lead our responses to climate change and other environmental challenges and meet the needs of business, government and society.

IGNITE provides funds for PhD studentships. It enables postgraduate researchers to deliver cutting-edge research by immersing them in world-leading research teams and providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. IGNITE provides an innovative and flexible training programme that develops research, technological and professional skills, allowing researchers to follow a diversity of career paths. Our unique placements scheme provides opportunities for work experience across different sectors. 

IGNITE is a collaborative partnership between the University of Southampton, the National Oceanography Centre, Natural History Museum, British Antarctic Survey and the Marine Biological Association. PhD studentships can be undertaken at any of these partner organisations.

Research projects are organised around three broad themes: 

Oceans and climate 

The dynamic Earth 

Interaction of organisms with the global environment 

Projects for the first round of IGNITE recruitment (studentships starting in September 2025) are available through the Projects tab. You may also propose your own PhD project; for more information please contact nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk. 

Please use the links below for information on: 

Note that both UK and non-UK candidates are eligible to apply. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, providing an inclusive, welcoming environment to enable everyone to flourish. 

EDI statement 

The IGNITE DLA is committed to promoting best practices for equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in all our activities, for our students, staff and supervisors, from recruitment through to graduation. We work with all our partners to monitor best practice and share experiences and expertise, aiming to create an inclusive research community, recognise structural barriers and privileges, and continuously improve equality and equity in all aspects of scientific research and education. 

  • Now recruiting students

    The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA), is now recruiting five cohorts of students of at least 15 students for the academic year 2024-25 onwards. Project Themes: All studentships are funded at the UKRI rate for 3.5 years (stipend and tuition fees). Both UK and non-UK candidates are eligible to apply. IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award projects…