Deadline: 12 June 2016

Walsh Scholars Reference Number: 2023299

Research Institution: Teagasc

University: University College Dublin

Location: Teagasc Ashtown, Co. Dublin

Funding: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Proposed Start Date: September 2026

I. Project Description

Ireland’s forest sector faces significant challenges as climate change alters temperature, rainfall patterns, and water availability. Forestry plays an important role in Ireland’s economy, biodiversity, and climate policy, yet there is still considerable uncertainty regarding how key forest tree species will respond to future climatic conditions. Warmer temperatures may promote growth in some regions, while more frequent drought periods and reduced summer rainfall could negatively affect productivity and long-term forest resilience. Understanding how Irish forests may respond to these changes is essential for supporting sustainable forest management and informing future land-use and climate adaptation policies.

At present, there is limited understanding of how changing climatic conditions will affect the productivity and suitability of important forest species across different regions and soil types in Ireland. Climate change impacts are likely to vary depending on local environmental conditions, particularly soil characteristics and water availability, which are major drivers of forest productivity. While climate projection datasets are available, further research is needed to integrate climate, soil, and productivity data to better understand how forests may respond under future climate scenarios.

This PhD project forms part of AgriAdapt, a strategic research programme funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) involving researchers from Teagasc, UCD, Dundalk Institute of Technology, and Met Éireann. The project will investigate how climatic variables influence the productivity of key forest species in Ireland. Using climate data from the TRANSLATE dataset, the research will examine factors such as accumulated temperature, soil moisture availability, and evapotranspiration. These data will be combined with soil information to assess how different soil groups may respond to changing climatic conditions. The project will also use spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to model and map future forest suitability and productivity under climate projections extending to the end of the 21st century.

The research will generate valuable insights into how climate change may affect the future productivity and suitability of Irish forests. The findings will support evidence-based decision making for forestry management, climate adaptation planning, and future policy development. The project will also contribute to understanding the potential economic impacts of climate change on the forest sector and will provide the student with experience in climate science, spatial analysis, and environmental modelling within a large collaborative research programme.

Further information on the proposed research is available here

II. Supervision

The project will be supervised by Dr Niall Farrelly/Reamonn Fealy at Teagasc, whose research focuses on GIS analysis of forest productivity. Dr Jon Yearsley, Senior lecturer in the Department of the School of Biology and Environmental Science in UCD will be the principal Academic supervisor, contributing university-based expertise in earth-based science.

III. Research Environment

• You will be registered at University College Dublin and based at Teagasc Ashtown, a major centre for agri-environmental research.
• The project provides access to forestry and climate data and hosts an interdisciplinary research environment supporting forestry and spatial analysis.

IV. Career and Training Opportunities

• The Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme provides a structured four-year training and development framework designed to support both academic excellence and long-term career readiness.
• Scholars develop advanced scientific and analytical expertise alongside transferable skills in communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement through expert-led training, workshops, and tailored professional development.
• Opportunities are provided to present research at national and international conferences, supporting professional networking and active engagement with the wider research community.
• Dedicated final-year career supports focus on preparing scholars for impactful roles across research, industry, advisory services, and policy, in Ireland and internationally.
• Through the Teagasc International Training Awards, scholars may undertake an international research placement of up to 12 weeks aligned with their PhD project. Outstanding achievement may also be recognised through the Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards.

V. Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Applicants should ideally:

• Hold a First or 2.1 Honours degree in such as forestry, plant biology or wood science, or a related discipline
• Demonstrate strong data handling and analytical skills
• Show the ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research
• Demonstrate understanding of forestry and GIS skills
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to network effectively as part of a research team
• Be willing to travel to conduct field assessments
• Hold a full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland
• Meet UCD postgraduate entry and English language requirements are available here.

VI. Funding Details

This is a fully funded Two-year PhD funded by DAFM, including:

• €25,000 annual stipend
• University fees covered up to €6,000 per annum

VII. How to Apply

• Applicants should submit a CV and covering letter detailing their qualifications and experience to Dr Niall Farrelly at [email protected] quoting “Walsh Scholars PhD Application – Ref2023299” in the subject line.
• Application closing date: 5pm, Friday, 12th June 2026.

VIII. Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in late June 2026. Online interviews can be accommodated.

IX. Further Information

• For Informal enquiries, please directed them  to: [email protected]
• Learn more about the Walsh Scholars Programme Here