http://www.findaphd.com/search/showproject.asp?projectid=14053We aim to replace the subjective, opinion-based methods of economic evaluation with objective valuation based on scientific evidence.
We will use statistical meta-analysis of existing data-sets, applied information theory, quantitative ecology and ecological economics to find patterns in surrogate measures of information content and ecological function to construct a composite measure of value. This is likely to yield two or more refereed publications for the student.
Potential collaboration with the British Natural History Museum on biodiversity indicators and environmental economists at the Universities of Kent and East Anglia is strongly encouraged.
This PhD project is highly relevant to real-life conservation and an excellent start in a rapidly growing field of great importance to pressing global concerns - it offers impressive employment opportunities.
We seek a very high calibre student with strong mathematical ability possessing at least a 2.1 or 1st class honours degree in economics, biology, engineering, physics, mathematics, statistics or a closely related subject. MSc. degrees in statistics, econometrics or environmental / ecological economics or mathematical ecology are especially welcome to apply.
Funding Notes
EU citizens will receive a stipend of approximately €19,500 per year for 3 years.
Background reading:
Mooers, A. O. 2007. Conservation biology - The diversity of biodiversity. Nature 445:717-718.
Ricotta, C. 2005. Through the jungle of biological diversity. Acta Biotheoretica 53:29-38.
see also:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/projects/worldmap/diversity/index.html; http://www.ecosystemvaluation.org/index.html and
http://ideas.repec.org/p/att/wimass/200117.html 
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