PhD Studentship: NERC Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Exploring the trade-offs in flood protection and security of water supply when adopting nature-based solutions

Award summary 

100% of home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate), plus research project costs. 

Overview 

The Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT) will train the next generation of research practitioners who will make a tangible difference to future flood management in the UK and internationally. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and inspiring training environment to develop the independent future leaders we need who can translate research and innovation into practice. Find out more here: https://flood-cdt.ac.uk/ 

Planning to manage floods and drought often occur independently and over different planning cycles. However, interventions that address one type of hydrological hazard may influence the dynamics of another hazard. In recent decades nature-based solutions have become a popular intervention to reduce exposure to flood risk and the cascading impacts of climate change. Yet, little research has been done to understand and quantify the consequences of nature-based flood solutions on water resource supplies in the catchment during low flow periods. Indeed, few modelling frameworks exist to assess the interactions between nature-based solutions, flooding, and water supply, and there is limited understanding of how these interactions may evolve in the future under climate change and changing water demands.  

Working with partners in the Environment Agency’s Climate Change and Resource Efficiency team, this project aims to address this knowledge gap by developing a holistic multi-model framework that simulates multiple interacting aspects of the water system. The framework will be used to further understanding and inform the management of evolving flood and water supply risks. The project will focus on a UK-based case study but will have international relevance for countries facing flooding and drought hazards. 

Number of awards 

1 

Start date  

15th September 2025 

Award duration 

3.5 years 

Application closing date 

8th January 2025 

Sponsor 

Natural Environment Research Council 

Name of supervisor/s 

Anna Murgatroyd (Newcastle University) 

Eligibility Criteria 

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. Geography, environmental science, engineering etc.). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.  

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

How to apply 

Please visit our main funding advert for information on how to apply for this studentship. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=FLOOD255  

Contact Details 

[email protected]