The impact of climate change on the mental health of parents & carers-PhD (Funded)

Research Project Summary

The European Centre for Environment & Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter is inviting applications for a funded PhD studentship to commence on 22 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in the ECEHH in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

 Project Description

Climate change is a fundamental threat to human health. However, in particular the mental health impacts of climate change are understudied. This project will focus on parents / carers of young children to understand parental concern about climate change with a particular focus on overheating. Hot temperatures will lead to increased overheating in buildings which is particularly dangerous to young children. The research will establish to what extent parents are concerned about overheating and how it affects their own mental health. The student will also work with antenatal and postnatal care providers, e.g. midwives.

 Data collection will be done through a combination of qualitative (e.g. interviews) and quantitative (e.g. surveys) measures, paired with deploying sensors in homes to understand the extent of overheating and possible ways of lowering temperatures.

The PhD studentship is suitable for a student with a background in psychology or health with a keen interest in climate change and its consequences.

The scholarship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 4 years full-time. The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The studentship is offered within the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, a world-leading, transdisciplinary research and education centre informing the future health of the planet and people. The ECEHH is located on the beautiful Penryn Campus in Cornwall.