The University of Galway, in collaboration with Teagasc, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship exploring the future of sustainable grass biorefineries and circular bioeconomy systems. The position, titled PHD GSO 033-26, offers an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in environmental sustainability, life cycle assessment, renewable resources, and resilient agricultural systems. The funded PhD position will begin in February 2027 and is affiliated with the Ryan Institute, a leading sustainability research centre at the University of Galway.

The successful candidate will investigate how Ireland’s extensive grassland resources can be transformed into sustainable products including low-emission animal feed, food ingredients, renewable energy, bio-based materials, and fertilisers. This doctoral research opportunity is particularly suited for graduates in environmental science, engineering, agriculture, sustainability, or related disciplines who want to contribute to global climate solutions and circular economy development.

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Scholarship Overview

Scholarship Details	Information
Scholarship Name	PHD GSO 033-26 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
Research Area	Sustainable Grass Biorefinery Deployment
Host Institution	University of Galway
Partner Organisation	Teagasc
Research Centre	Ryan Institute
Location	Galway, Ireland
Degree Level	PhD
Study Mode	Full-time
Start Date	1 February 2027
Annual Stipend	€25,000 per year (tax-exempt)
Tuition Support	Up to €6,000 per year
Application Deadline	28 August 2026, 17:00
Supervisor	Professor David Styles

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About the University of Galway

Located in the culturally vibrant city of Galway on Ireland’s west coast, the University of Galway is internationally recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The university hosts a diverse research community working across science, engineering, sustainability, medicine, and social sciences. Through its research institutes and postgraduate programmes, the university provides doctoral researchers with access to advanced facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international research networks.

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PhD Research Project: Sustainable Grass Biorefinery Deployment

Ireland has approximately 4.5 million hectares of grassland, making grass one of the country’s most important agricultural resources. However, intensive livestock production creates significant sustainability challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pressures on water quality. The Grass4Value project aims to develop innovative circular bioeconomy pathways that increase the value of grass while reducing environmental impacts.

The project focuses on the concept of a grass biorefinery, where grass biomass is processed into multiple valuable products rather than being used only for traditional livestock feeding. Potential outputs include:

• Low-emission animal feed alternatives
• Sustainable food ingredients
• Renewable energy products
• Bio-based materials
• Organic fertiliser solutions

By creating multiple value streams from grass, biorefineries could reduce dependence on environmentally damaging alternatives such as imported soy-based feed and fossil-based energy sources.

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Research Objectives and Methodology

The PhD researcher will evaluate the sustainability and resilience of grass biorefinery systems using advanced modelling approaches.

The research will involve:

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The candidate will apply and further develop the LCAD2.0 anaerobic digestion biorefinery life cycle assessment model to measure environmental impacts associated with different grass-based value chains. The analysis will consider:

• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Resource efficiency
• Energy performance
• Environmental trade-offs
• Long-term sustainability outcomes

Future Scenario and Resilience Analysis

The project will also use foresight approaches to examine how grass biorefinery systems perform under different future conditions. The researcher will explore:

• Large-scale deployment scenarios
• Climate change impacts
• Agricultural system transitions
• Future sustainability challenges
• Resilience of rural economies

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Supervisory Team

The PhD candidate will receive guidance from an interdisciplinary supervisory team:

Primary Supervisor:
Professor David Styles
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
University of Galway

Co-Supervisor:
Professor James Gaffey
Co-Director, CircBio Research Group
Munster Technological University

The research team combines expertise in sustainability science, environmental modelling, circular bioeconomy systems, and agricultural innovation.

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Research Environment and Training Opportunities

The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic sustainability research community at the University of Galway. Benefits include:

• Access to the Ryan Institute research environment
• Advanced postgraduate training modules
• Professional development opportunities
• International conference participation
• Collaboration with leading sustainability researchers
• Experience working on real-world environmental challenges

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following academic and professional criteria:

Academic Qualifications

Candidates should hold:

• A first-class or good second-class honours degree (2:1 equivalent), or
• A relevant master’s degree; Preferred academic backgrounds include:
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Agriculture
  • Sustainability Science
  • Related disciplines

Desired Research Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience with life cycle assessment (LCA) or systems modelling
• Interest in sustainability evaluation and biorefineries
• Strong analytical and research abilities
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to attend national and international research meetings

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Funding Package

This fully funded PhD scholarship provides substantial financial support.

Scholarship Benefits:

• Living Allowance:
• €25,000 annually (tax-exempt scholarship award) –
• University Fees: Covered up to €6,000 per year
• Research Opportunities:
• Access to professional training, conferences, and international research networks.

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Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application documents by Email: david.styles@universityofgalway.ie to Professor David Styles.

Required Documents

Applicants should provide:

• Academic CV including two referees
• A 1–2 page personal statement explaining:
  • Why they are interested in the Grass4Value project
  • Why they are suitable candidates for the PhD position

Application Email Details:

• Subject Line:
  PhD Application – Grass4Value
• Supervisor Contact:
  Professor David Styles Email:
  david.styles@universityofgalway.ie
• Deadline: 28 August 2026 at 17:00

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this PhD scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The University of Galway PhD scholarship provides a tax-exempt annual stipend of €25,000 and covers university fees up to €6,000 per year.

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2. When does the PhD programme start?

The expected start date is 1 February 2027, or shortly after depending on administrative arrangements.

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3. Who can apply for this PhD scholarship?

Applicants with a first-class or 2:1 equivalent degree or a relevant master’s qualification in environmental science, engineering, agriculture, sustainability, or related fields are eligible.

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4. Do applicants need previous life cycle assessment experience?

Experience with life cycle assessment or systems modelling is highly desirable. Candidates with related sustainability analysis experience may also be considered.

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5. What research area does this PhD focus on?

The project focuses on sustainable grass biorefineries, circular bioeconomy systems, environmental assessment, climate resilience, and renewable resource management.

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6. Is this scholarship available for international students?

Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic and English language requirements.

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7. Where will the PhD researcher be based?

The researcher will be registered at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway in Ireland.

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8. What documents are required for application?

Applicants must submit a CV with two referees and a 1–2 page personal statement explaining their motivation and suitability for the project.

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9. Who is the main supervisor for this PhD?

The primary supervisor is Professor David Styles from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway.

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10. What career opportunities can this PhD lead to?

Graduates may pursue careers in sustainability research, environmental consultancy, renewable energy, circular economy innovation, agricultural technology, academia, and climate policy.