Developing Your Dissertation Ideas
If you are seeking to deliver an impactful dissertation topic, with direct relevance to environmental policy makers or, simply looking for inspiration for your final year project, you can search for ideas below.
You can search the research questions that have been directly submitted to us, or browse other collections of research ideas from partner organisation such as Natural Resources Wales and Climate Cymru.
If you do find a question of relevance and decide to address it through your dissertation, we would really like to know about it. Please fill out the form that can be found here.
[Enter keyword and press ‘search’ or the return key]
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What is the extent of improved grassland across Wales?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
Currently the Welsh Government agricultural statistics presents data on grassland under 5 years and over 5 years, along with rough grazing. These figures are obtained from farmers through the Single Application Form to claim Basic Payment Scheme. However, the figures do not show the true extent of improved grassland as grassland over 5 years and rough grazing could include semi-natural grassland.
Keywords (discipline, other): Enclosed farmland
Ecosystem resilience
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the extent of soil compaction from poaching and machinery?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
To help inform future sustainable soil management practices especially in areas affected by flooding.
Keywords (discipline, other): Land use and soil
Mountains, moorland, and heath
Coastal margins
Semi-natural grassland
Enclosed farmland
Biodiversity
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the extent of soils that are impacted by contaminants on former industrial sites which pose a risk to human health and water quality?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
To assess the risk to human health and water quality and to implement appropriate remediation
Keywords (discipline, other): Land use and soil
Freshwater
Urban
Waste
Biodiversity
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the extent of the physical modification of rivers and floodplains across Wales?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
Physical modification is the main reason for rivers Welsh rivers failing to achieve Good Ecological Status. Modifications to floodplains have significant impacts on ecosystem health and flood risk. However limited information is available on the extent and specific impacts of these modifications. This information is required to inform ecosystem resilience and restoration opportunities.
Keywords (discipline, other): Freshwater
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the extent of the use of Trees Outside Woodlands and hedgerows?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
There is limited information and data on the use of Trees Outside Woodlands and hedgerows and the extent across Wales. There is good data for woodlands. Red squirrels and dormice are potentially using Tree Outside Woodlands and hedgerows more frequently.
Keywords (discipline, other): Enclosed farmland
Woodland
Ecosystem resilience
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the feasability of using Lignin, a complex compound found in woody plants that is typically sourced from paper pulping waste, to manufacture bio-based plastics in Wales?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
This is a regenerative economy option linked to woodland management, and could suport green growth and recovery. Understanding the feasibiltiy of this option would help inform future policy and strategic delivery.
Keywords (discipline, other): Woodland
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the frequency of soil compaction in the main farming systems? What is the most common causes of soil compaction?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
Soil condition is an important element in productivity and carbon storage. There is conflicting evidence on the prevalence of soil compaction in Wales. Evidence from ERAMMP suggest that the frequency of compaction is low, however, evidence from other sources suggests that the frequency is medium to high. Better data is required to quantify the degree of compaction and identify the most frequent causes.
Keywords (discipline, other): Enclosed farmland
Land use and soil
Ecosystem resilience
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the genetic diversity of tree species in Wales and how can we use this information to inform an assessment of the resilience of woodlands in Wales, now and in the future?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
Genetic diversity, alongside species and structural diversity, is key to assessing the resilience of woodland ecosystems. There is currently very little data about the genetic diversity of Welsh woodlands. More information would help inform future assessments of resilience.
Keywords (discipline, other): Woodland
Ecosystem resilience
Biodiversity
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the global impact of Wales’s energy production and use on natural resources within and outside Wales?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
To improve the assessment of Wales’s ecological and carbon footprint
Keywords (discipline, other): Regenerative economy
Stocks of natural resources
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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What is the global impact of Wales’s food production and consumption on natural resources within and outside Wales?
Summary of the Research Question / Evidence Need:
To improve the assessment of Wales’s ecological and carbon footprint
Keywords (discipline, other): Regenerative economy
Stocks of natural resources
Website/URL links: https://naturalresources.wales/evidence-and-data/research-and-reports/state-of-natural-resources-report-sonarr-for-wales-2020/evidence-needs-table/?lang=en
Looking for collaborators: n/a External Partner: Y Organisation: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Details
Name: n/a n/a Email Address: Phone: NA
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