PhD Studentship: Climate Information and Local Adaptation Decision Making
Evaluate how climate information shapes local adaptation decisions in English Local Authorities.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in climate science or adaptation policy who are skilled in qualitative research and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia examines how local authorities in England interpret and apply climate information, risk data, and adaptation strategies in public-sector decision-making. Operating within the School of Environmental Sciences and connected to the Tyndall Early Career Network, the researcher will employ qualitative and multi-method approaches including documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. The findings will contribute to shaping next-generation climate service tools and enhancing climate resilience planning. The successful candidate is expected to engage with national stakeholders such as the UK Met Office and deliver practical policy recommendations.
What you'll do
- Conduct a comprehensive documentary analysis of local authority adaptation strategies, risk registers, and planning documents.
- Design and execute semi-structured interviews with public-sector staff involved in climate adaptation decision-making.
- Synthesize qualitative and quantitative data using analytical frameworks and software such as NVivo.
- Engage with the UK Met Office climate services team to support knowledge exchange and impact generation.
- Participate in bespoke training programs, science-policy engagement activities, and user-focused webinars.
- Produce high-quality research findings to inform the next generation of climate service tools and policy recommendations.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline such as climate science, environmental science, or adaptation policy
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Understanding of climate science and/or adaptation policy within the UK context
- Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis
- Experience or strong interest in engaging with policy and adaptation decision-makers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Open to applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria for fully-funded studentships
- A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants with fee waivers
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-16
Applicants should review the project details and prepare their application materials. Submissions are processed through the university's postgraduate research application portal.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- Reference letters
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