Using novel phenomics technology for environmental sensitivity prediction in marine invertebrates

This PhD will apply a new, cutting-edge technology, EmbryoPhenomics, to develop novel tools for predicting environmental sensitivity in marine invertebrates. The accurate prediction of how organisms will respond to global change represents a significant scientific challenge but is essential for developing policy decisions and mitigation strategies. Phenomics is a new, technology-enabled approach that uses the high-throughput acquisition of high-dimensional data of the observable phenotype (i.e. morphology, physiology and behaviour) to measure biological responses more robustly and provide a more holistic understanding of the mechanisms underpinning sensitivity. EmbryoPhenomics uses bio-imaging and advanced image analysis to measure the sensitivity of early developmental stages in aquatic species with different life history strategies and will be used to produce novel, sub-lethal phenomic end points that can be used as predictive tools.