The SUPER DTP was 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 postgraduate researchers (PGRs) were invited to apply for funds to support reciprocal or one-way exchange visits between a SUPER partner institution and an institution in a developing economy.
This funding aims to develop intercultural understanding and communication skills as well as expand doctoral research in a diverse and inclusive international environment through networking and collaborations. It is also a great opportunity to enhance the career prospects of both PGRs and contribute significantly to the SUPER PGR’s PG Cert.
Exchange experiences
- Successful applicant Alex Houston from Cohort 3 traveled to the Global Centre for Environment and Energy, Ahmedabad University, India. 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.
Alex presenting their research at the MASTS Annual Science Meeting (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.
- Successful applicant Tim Awbery from Cohort 3 who is based at SAMS, UHI, participated in a one-way exchange, traveling to Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park in collaboration with University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in August 2024. Their research focuses on minke whale.
- Successful applicant Liam Thompson from Cohort 5 who is based at the University of Aberdeen, participated in a one-way exchange, receiving Samina Bibi from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, From August to September 2024. Their research focuses on greenhouse gases.
- Successful applicant Khadija Said Majid from Cohort 3 who is based at the University of Aberdeen, completed a one-way exchange with Zaïna Bodoarison from the Institut Pasteur Madagascar, from September to October 2024. Their work focuses on pathogen transmission.
- Successful applicant Julia Steel from Cohort 5 who is based at the Heriot-Watt University Orkney campus, participated in a one-way exchange, traveling to Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation in collaboration with Cape Peninsula University, South Africa, from November to December 2024. Their research focuses on marine social science.
- Successful applicant Amber Cowans from Cohort 4 who is based at the University of St Andrews, participated in a one-way exchange, traveling to the University of Venda and Limpopo University, South Africa, in January 2025. Their research focuses on ecological statistics.
