Underground Futures: Place-based decisions for NetZero

Project Description

The transition to net zero is at the forefront of UK Policy with calls for rapid decarbonisation across all sectors including energy supply. Whilst much of this focus is on surface activities (e.g. drive for more renewable technologies and carbon saving solutions such as Carbon Capture and reinvestment in nuclear), the role of underground space for this transition is often neglected. Reimagining underground resources and how these connect to surface needs such as affordable energy, will be vital if net zero is to be achieved successfully. This interdisciplinary studentship will take a place-based approach to exploring the role the underground/subsurface might play in the transition to NetZero and the socio-political questions that emerge at the surface. It will address interlocking research questions focused on ‘Resources, Community and Place-making, and Governance’ and will use a mixed-methods approach including qualitative, quantitative and spatial techniques, as its methodology.

General eligibility criteria

Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.

Project specific criteria

The ideal candidate will have an interest in using interdisciplinary approaches to exploring the Net zero transition. Specifically, we are interested in applicants that have a Geography (Human and/or Physical), Environmental Science or Geoscience background and that are willing to use social science concepts such as from environmental governance, political geology, sociotechnical transitions or political geography, alongside spatial and quantitative techniques. We encourage applications from researchers with experience of these, or from similar disciplines.

Studentship funding

A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.

Enquiries

Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Dr Alexandra Gormally-Sutton [email protected] for more information.

Dates

Deadline for applications: 24 March 2025

Provisional Interview Date: April-May 2025

Start Date: October 2025

TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/phd-opportunities/#underground-futures-placebased-decisions-for-netzero-371066-1