- This studentship builds on the Climate Change Committee's Well Adapted UK report, which highlights the need for practical adaptation solutions. Although climate risk information and data are increasingly available, there is limited understanding of how Local Authorities interpret and use them.
- Research topic: Examining how climate information (hazard, risk and adaptation data) is interpreted and incorporated into local public-sector decision-making, and how it shapes adaptation decisions. Findings will inform recommendations for the next generation of climate service tools.
- Method: A qualitative multi-method approach combining documentary analysis of adaptation strategies, risk registers and planning documents, semi-structured interviews with staff involved in adaptation decisions, and existing consultation survey data from national climate service providers. The project will engage with the UK Met Office climate services team.
- General information:
- Primary supervisor: Dr Katie Jenkins
- Subject: Environmental Sciences
- Location: UEA, Norwich
- Programme: PhD
- Mode of study: Full-time or part-time
- Start date: 1 October 2027
- Deadline: 16 December 2026, 23:59
- After applying, applicants must complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form (one form per application).
Publish Date
11/1/2026
Application Deadline
12/16/2026
Opportunity Type
Scholarships
Publisher
Foras Khadra
Available Countries
All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros
Description
A funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, examining how English Local Authorities use climate information in adaptation decision making. Open to students worldwide, with a deadline of 16 December 2026.
Details
Eligibility Criteria
- At least a UK equivalent Bachelor's (Honours) 2:1.
- English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall and 6 in each category (or Faculty of Science equivalent).
- Understanding of climate science and/or adaptation policy in the UK.
- Skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and synthesis.
- Interest in engaging with adaptation decision-makers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.
Opportunity Benefits
- Fully funded studentship for candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria, covering tuition fees.
- Maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27).
- Research training and support grant (RTSG).
- A limited number of places for international applicants, with the difference between home and international fees waived.
- Training in designing and conducting interviews, thematic coding, qualitative data synthesis and NVivo.
- Membership of the Tyndall Early Career Network, with bespoke training (e.g. science-policy engagement).
- Opportunities via the Met Office to join user-focused webinars and engage with adaptation and climate experts.
- Note: funding does not cover relocation and living costs in the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
