The social, economic and ecological impact of Japanese knotweed (JK) is profound. Treatment costs £200 million per year in the UK as a whole and £9 million for Wales alone. The project forms part of a long-term study on JK treatment and will focus on habitat restoration and investigate the efficacy of control under different environmental conditions. Effective control methods have been identified, but the future challenges are to enhance the activity of the herbicides.
Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SMEs and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 3 years of funding with a 6 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 60 credit award.