Applications invited for PhD in Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) is one of South Asia's leading conservation and sustainable development research organizations with a strong interdisciplinary emphasis. ATREE invites applications for admission to its Doctoral Research Programme in Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies for the academic year 2017. The programme is recognized by Manipal University and is one of the few programmes in India that provides students natural science, social science and interdisciplinary training to conduct research on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

ATREE's research covers the broad themes of environment, development, and biodiversity conservation. Thematic areas include: conservation biology and planning; forest governance and livelihoods; ecosystem functions and services; hydrology and water resources; and development and environmental change.

Disciplines represented in the faculty include: ecology, plant and invertebrate taxonomy, conservation genetics, hydrology, water quality, landscape ecology, economics, development studies, institutional analysis, sociology, and political ecology. Students are encouraged to visit the ATREE web pages at http://www.atree.org/faculty to learn more about faculty research.

Students with prior training in any branch of the social, natural, or engineering sciences are eligible for admission to the PhD programme. Selected students will register for core and elective courses for three semesters, after which they will conduct independent research under the guidance of a doctoral advisory committee that is chaired by the faculty advisor. Ten students will each receive a fellowship for a period of three years. The fellowship amount will be Rs. 25,000 (pre-registration) and Rs.28, 000 (post-registration) per month. Contingency support for research at Rs. 50,000 per year for two years will also be provided. Faculty advisors will work closely with their students to obtain fellowship and research funding to enable students to successfully complete the programme.

ATREE fosters diversity and gender equity at the work place. Women and persons from underprivileged groups are especially encouraged to apply. ATREE's affirmative action policy will be followed during the PhD selection process.

Admission and eligibility

1. The candidate must have a Master's degree in any social science, natural science or engineering discipline and have secured a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent.
2. Applicants will appear for an entrance exam in ATREE.
3. Candidates who have qualified for UGC-CSIR (minimum NET), GATE, ICSSR or equivalent exams, or have an MPhil
   degree are not required to take the entrance exam and will directly qualify for the interview.

Application process

Candidates seeking admission for the PhD programme at ATREE should submit the following documents:

• A completed application form (download from http://www.atree.org/academy/phd_programme)
• Copies of degree certificate, or provisional degree certificate, and Master's course mark sheets.
• A written statement of purpose in the applicant's own words, which highlights his or her research and career goals (maximum 1000 words).
• Confidential reference letters from two referees, sent directly by the referees to the address below by email, post or fax.

Applicants should submit completed application and all supporting documents by email to phd@atree.org or post to the address listed below by April 10, 2017. They should indicate in the subject line (if submitting by email) or super scribe the envelope (if submitting by post) 'Application for PhD programme'. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Shortlisted applicants will appear for an entrance exam followed by an interview at ATREE, Bangalore. The academic year will begin on 1st August 2017.

Contact information

The Convenor, Academy for Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur , Bangalore 560 064
Email: phd@atree.org
Phone: +91-80-23635555 Extn: 121, Fax: +91-80-23530070