Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, focusing on Net Zero Decision Making, Climate Policy, and Citizen Engagement. This exciting doctoral opportunity is part of the newly established PACT (Production and Consumption Transformations) Centre, a major research initiative exploring pathways to achieve fair, effective, and inclusive net-zero transitions.
The PhD project, titled “Institutional Cultures and Citizen Engagement for Net Zero Decision Making,” offers successful candidates the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on climate governance, public participation, policymaking processes, and sustainability transitions while studying at one of the world’s leading research universities.
About the Programme
The studentship is hosted by the University of Manchester and forms part of the PACT Centre, a four-year research programme jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Centre brings together researchers from the University of Manchester, the University of Leeds, and the University of Sussex to investigate how societies can successfully transition to net-zero emissions.
The successful PhD candidate will join the University’s renowned Climate Citizens research group and work under the supervision of Professor Rebecca Willis and Dr Andy Yuille.
Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals related to:
- Climate governance and net-zero policymaking
- Public participation in environmental decision-making
- Institutional cultures and policy development
- Economic interests and climate policy influence
- Citizen engagement in climate transitions
- Sustainable transport and housing transitions
- Comparative studies of climate governance across countries
- Qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches
Research proposals may also draw upon existing datasets from citizen panels and policymaker discussions available through the project.
Funding Benefits
This is a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship. Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 (2026/27 rate)
- Potential annual stipend increases
- Access to world-class research facilities
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Membership in a leading climate research community
- Professional development and networking opportunities
The programme is expected to commence in October 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Hold or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 honours degree or a Master’s degree (or international equivalent)
- Have an academic background in relevant disciplines such as public policy, political science, sociology, geography, sustainability studies, climate governance, political economy, or related social sciences
- Demonstrate a strong interest in climate policy, sustainability transitions, and public engagement research
Relevant professional experience in climate, governance, sustainability, or policy-related fields will be an added advantage.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally expected to submit:
- A research proposal (maximum two pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Supporting statement
- Contact details for referees
- English language qualification (where applicable)
Applications that are incomplete may not be considered.
Application Deadline
📅 Deadline: 9 July 2026
📍 Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
📚 Study Level: PhD
💰 Funding: Fully Funded
🚀 Start Date: October 2026
This opportunity is ideal for aspiring researchers passionate about climate policy, sustainability transitions, citizen engagement, environmental governance, and achieving net-zero futures through evidence-based decision-making.
