NERC RED-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training
🔬 Research Focus
- Explore how untreated wastewater (e.g. from sewer overflows or misconnections) contributes to the spread of AMR organisms and human pathogens in river systems.
- Use advanced molecular methods, including metagenomic sequencing, to profile resistance genes and pathogens in river water and sediments.
- Conduct catchment-based field sampling in the Taff and Ely rivers to map sewage inputs and their microbial impacts.
- Link microbial data to water-quality monitoring and potentially inform risk mitigation strategies for public and environmental health.
🏛️ Partners & Impact
- Host / Supervisors: Cardiff University in partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH).
- Policy & Industry Partners:
- Welsh Government (co-supervision & policy input)
- Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (technical support & sampling sites)
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) (expertise in human-pathogen risk)
- Relevance: Helps fill a key gap in understanding how sewage-related pollution contributes to AMR reservoirs in freshwater environments — directly relevant to “One Health” and environmental-public health strategies.
🧪 Training & Skills Development
- Lab training: DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, metagenomics, bioinformatics.
- Fieldwork: in-situ microbial sampling in river catchments.
- Data analytics: statistical analysis, data visualisation, and spatial mapping.
- Scientist-policy exposure: through placements / collaboration with Dŵr Cymru, Welsh Government, and UKHSA.
- Broader training via the RED-ALERT CDT programme: interdisciplinary courses, real-world problem-solving, “living lab” catchments.
🎯 Who Should Apply
- Students with degrees in microbiology, environmental science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or public health.
- Those passionate about One Health and understanding how environmental pollution impacts microbial risk and human health.
- Researchers who want to combine field sampling, lab-based molecular work, and data science.
- People motivated by policy engagement and translating science into strategies for cleaner, safer water systems.
⭐ Why This PhD Matters
- It investigates a critical “real-world” AMR source: sewer overflows and untreated wastewater.
- Uses state-of-the-art molecular tools to reveal hidden microbial threats.
- Supports evidence-based interventions: findings could guide water companies and governments to mitigate AMR risks.
- Strong interdisciplinary and policy-relevant training, through the RED-ALERT CDT network.
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Friday 16 January 2026.
More info available at NERC RED-ALERT CDT: Impact of Sewage on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Pathogens in River Environments