PhD Projects

Competition for PhD student is now closed. Please contact Lionel Dupuy [1] for further information.

Mathematical modelling of root systems

The objective of this project is to develop methods to model the growth of root branching structures. The student will construct PDE models to predict the growth of root systems and develop numerical techniques to obtain approximate solutions. This project is in collaboration with Glyn Bengough [2] (University of Dundee and The James Hutton Institute)  Professor Xavier Draye [3] (Catholic University of Louvain) and the successful candidate will be expected to travel to Belgium for collaborative work. The project is funded for 3.5 years and is part of the European project EUROOT.

Further information

Mathematical modelling of root systems PhD project page [4]

Optical imaging of roots in transparent soils

The objective of this project is to develop new methods for imaging plant root growth processes in granular media. The student will develop and investigate a novel experimental system combining artificial granular media (plastic beads) and 3D imaging systems to obtain 4D datasets of root and particle dynamics. This project is in collaboration with Dr Mike MacDonald [5] (University of Dundee) and Glyn Bengough [2] (University of Dundee and The James Hutton Institute).

Further information

Poster [6]

Keller et al. Science 322(5904), 1065-1069. [7]

Budwig R. Experiment in Fluids 17, 350-355 [8]