PhD in Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies

ATREE invites applications for admission to the 2025 intake of its Doctoral research programme in Conservation Science and Sustainability Studies. The programme is recognized by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). It is one of the few programmes in India that provides students training in the natural sciences, social sciences and interdisciplinary practice to research biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

ATREE’s research covers the broad themes of biodiversity conservation, environment, and development. Thematic areas include conservation biology and planning, forest governance and livelihoods, ecosystem services and well-being; hydrology and water resources; energy and climate change mitigation, food security, and development and environmental change. Students will be required to identify a potential supervisor at the time of admission. 

Fellow

Broad Research Interests

Human- wildlife interactions, exploring biodiversity- human well-being linkages outside Protected Areas.

Fellow in Residence

Broad Research Interests

Movement Ecology and Animal Behaviour.

Sr. Fellow 

Broad Research Interests

Water quality management, urban lake restoration, nature-based solutions, wastewater management, and public health.

Fellow 

Broad Research Interests

Multispecies interactions, human- wildlife coexistence.

Fellow 

Broad Research Interests

Water Resources Management (which includes urban and rural water supply, irrigation management, soil and water conservation and wastewater reuse).

Fellow in Residence

Broad Research Interests

Biodiversity and Conservation, Landscape Ecology and Urban Ecology.

Fellow in Residence

Broad Research Interests

Plant Evolutionary Biology or Plant Ecology.

Fellow in Residence

Broad Research Interests

Restoration

Fellow

Broad Research Interests

Climate change and Hydrology.

Only students holding a valid CSIR-JRF, UGC-JRF or applying for the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship 2024, with prior training in any branch of the social, natural, or engineering sciences, are eligible for admission to the PhD programme. Limited fellowships are available for candidates from the Indian Himalayan Region or who are willing to do their research in the  Indian Himalayan Region.

Selected students will undergo coursework for three semesters, after which they will conduct independent research under the guidance of an advisory committee chaired by the faculty advisor. ATREE fosters diversity and gender equity at the workplace; 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. The candidate must have been awarded a CSIR-JRF or UGC‐JRF. DST-INSPIRE Fellowship 2024 awardees must submit their provisional award letters no later than 10th April 2025.
Application Process

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

  • Updated CV
  • A completed application form
  • Copies of CSIR-JRF or UGC-JRF award letters, degree certificate, or provisional degree certificate, and Master’s course mark sheets.
  • A written statement of purpose in the applicant’s own words, highlights of 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 or post.

Applicants should submit completed applications and all supporting documents by email to phd@atree.org or post to the address listed below by April 10, 2025. Candidates submitting their applications by email should indicate ‘Application for PhD programme-2025’ in the email’s subject line; those submitting their applications by post should superscribe the envelope. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Shortlisted applicants will have to appear for an interview at ATREE, Bangalore. The academic year will begin on 1st July 2025. 

Important Dates and Deadlines
  • April 10:  Application Submission Deadline
  • May 6 & 7:  Online Entrance Exam
  • May 26 to May 28:  Interviews
  • July 1:  Course Work Begins

Contact information:

The Coordinator,

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