Dear All,
Please could you bring bring this studentship to the attention of any
potentially interested candidates. Ad below and further details attached.
Thanks,
Mark
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School of Built and Natural Environment
University of Central Lancashire
A PhD studentship is available from 1 January 2009 to work on the following
project:
‘The Future of Natural History Societies in England’
The aim of this sociological study is to investigate the adaptation of amateur
natural history societies’, their relationship to wider publics, and changes in
their knowledge and practices, in the context of ongoing declines in their
memberships.
It will explore how the national OPAL Programme may shape, and contribute to,
this process (see www.OPALExploreNature.org). OPAL, through a project run
by the Natural History Museum, aims to increase active membership of 10
amateur natural history societies by 10%, many drawn from under-represented
sections of society.
The study will seek to better understand the widespread concern amongst
naturalists that a decline in understanding of wild nature has become
ubiquitous in modern society. There is a discourse of risk that unless the aging
generation of specialists is replaced natural history practices, knowledge and
their essential contribution to biodiversity conservation will be affected. The
traditional means of enrolment into natural history through
personal ‘mentorship’ is regarded by many naturalists as being in decline
because of social and cultural change resulting in a shift away from
experiential encounters of non-human nature towards mediated or ‘digital’
experience of the natural. The study will investigate this debate as well the
following: the virtue of using ‘digital’ experience to ‘sell’ naturalism; in what
way such mediation is seen to function; which social groups should be
enrolled; how to train and develop expertise in future.
Applicants should have a honours degree (preferably a 2.1 or above) in a
relevant subject area. The studentship is fully funded covering fees and a
stipend equivalent to research council rates.
For further details about the project as well as the larger OPAL programme
please request an application pack (quoting the reference number RS/08/09)
from the Graduate Research Office. Tel +44 (0)1772 894287 or e-mail
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Apply with letter and CV to Dr Mark Toogood, SBNE, Kirkham Building,
University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE
Closing date Friday 26 September 2008
This studentship is funded through the OPAL North West Project which is part
of the National OPAL Project funded by the National Lottery through the Big
Lottery Fund
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