The SUPER DTP has been awarded funding from NERC under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) CDT/DTP Flexible Funding Award. Since a proven mechanism of increasing DEI awareness is “to share direct experience across cultures”, SUPER-funded doctoral candidates were invited to apply for up to £10,000 for reciprocal exchange visits between a SUPER partner institution and an institution in a developing economy.
This funding will allow SUPER PGRs to develop intercultural understanding and communication skills as well as expand doctoral research in a diverse and inclusive international environment through networking and collaborations.
Successful applicant Alex Houston from Cohort 3 traveled to the Global Centre for Environment and Energy, Ahmedabad University, India (read more). Their exchange partner Shrutika Parihar was received to the School of Geography and Sustainability, University of St Andrews. The exchange took place in late 2022. Their work focuses on Blue Carbon. Shrutika was able to attend and present a poster at the MASTS Annual Science Meeting (ASM) alongside Alex.
Alex presenting their research at the MASTS ASM 2022.
Shrutika presenting their research at the MASTS ASM 2022.
Alex and Shrutika carrying out fieldwork on the coast in India. They are joined by researchers from Ahmedabad University and the University of St Andrews.
Alex and Shrutika collecting data in a mangrove in India.
Successful applicant Albert Bonet Bigata from Cohort 4 traveled to Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, and received Gabriela Tamara Gabarain to the School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen. The exchange took place in early 2023. Their work focuses on invasive mink.
Albert running a workshop to Argentinian researchers on methods to estimate animal abundance and distribution.
Gabriela’s first Scottish fieldwork experience.
A mink trap on a river in Argentina.
Albert retrieves a trap from a river in Argentina whilst on fieldwork.
Caitlin Lamb from Cohort 4 will travel to Área de Macroalgas y Biodiversidad, Instituto del Mar del Perú, Peru, and receive Landa Merma Mora to the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), University of the Highlands and Islands. This exchange will take place later in 2023.
We look forward to their reports of their time on the exchanges.