School of Veterinary Medicine

Our Shared Ocean Research Masters Scholarship at University College Dublin (UCD) School of Veterinary Medicine

Exploring the role of leatherback turtles as sentinels of marine ecosystem health

Background

Rapid decline in the ocean’s health challenges the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals and threatens the life of humans,

animals, and plants worldwide (Ryabinin et al., 2019; Guan et al., 2023). To reverse the trend, the UN declared the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) to engage relevant stakeholders under a common framework that can facilitate science-based joint actions and promote the sustainable development of the ocean globally (Guan et al., 2023). The restoration of ocean’s health and its sustainable management requires science-informed policies hence a better understanding of the marine ecosystem is required. Our project will assess the health of the marine ecosystem by evaluating sentinel species (bio-

indicators) like turtles, whose health mirrors the health of their ecosystem (Aguirre and Tabor, 2004; Pace et al., 2019).

Requirements

Applicants should have a good primary degree in Veterinary Medicine or Microbiology (First or 2.1 Honours or the international equivalent). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural settings in Ireland and the Caribbean. Experience with molecular biology and/or pathology is also an advantage. Fluent spoken and written English is required. We especially welcome applications from candidates from an eligible SIDS (i.e. national with passport from a Small Island Developing State).

For more information on the English language requirements please see the link below:

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregula tions/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/