MAHE Doctoral Programme

In 2006, NCF established a doctoral programme in collaboration with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).  This initiative endeavours to uphold the highest standards of interdisciplinary conservation science, aimed at cultivating a cadre of adept conservation scientists and professionals. Within the framework of our doctoral programme, we engage with a diverse array of disciplines encompassing basic and applied ecology, evolutionary studies, behavioural science, biostatistics, modelling, social sciences, human and political ecology, as well as the historical and economic dimensions of human societies. Indeed, our programme’s uniqueness lies in fostering the development of scholars capable of generating tangible conservation outcomes through their scholarly pursuits. 

Since the inception, a total of fourteen students have been conferred with doctoral degrees. Currently, there are 13 doctoral candidates enrolled at NCF, with eight nearing completion and the remainder in the initial stages of their research journey. The research projects of our doctoral candidates have resulted in 42 publications in esteemed peer-reviewed journals. Our alumni now hold prominent positions spearheading independent conservation research and implementing initiatives with leading conservation organisations in the country and abroad, including NCF, Ashoka Trust for TREE, World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society and Humboldt University.