At a Glance
- Tasks: Research the intersection of climate science, society, and law to address global uncertainties.
- Company: Swansea University, a leading institution in Geography and Law.
- Benefits: Fully-funded PhD studentship with expert supervision and research opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for UK/EU candidates passionate about climate issues and societal impacts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change policy and societal understanding.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in climate science, law, or social sciences.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
This fully funded Swansea University studentship (joint Geography/Law) will address the relationship between science and wider society (civil society, policy- and law-makers, and other social actors) in the context of climate change – particularly in the wake of the 2009 ‘climate-gate’ affair (when internal electronic communications of the Climate Change Unit at the University of East Anglia were placed in the public domain by third-party intervention).
The focus will be on how scientific knowledge is mediated by other interests, and the challenges this raises in a ‘world risk society’ (Beck) in which progress has created countless new global uncertainties. This creates major problems for decision-makers and lawyers. For instance, transnational and intergenerational impacts on environment and health are problematic for bounded legal notions of jurisdiction and process, as well as for normative structures based on individual rights and predominantly liberal notions of justice.
The PhD will contribute to understanding reasonable expectations for climate science, and the ways in which principles and respective roles of risk assessment and management can most effectively be applied in addressing the impacts of climate change. The research is timely in engaging with a vital aspect of the relations between science, civil society, policy-and-law-makers, and other interests in the context of climate change. It will address how scientific practice and outputs are mediated.
The outputs from this study would be expected to contribute to informing scientists, decision-makers, and civil society generally, as to the reasonable expectations for climate science and for ways in which principles and respective roles of risk assessment and risk management can most effectively be applied in addressing the impacts of climate change.
This project would suit a student with a proven academic track record in either climate science with a strong interest in social science and legal issues, or a background in law or social science with an interest in climate science. Due to funding restrictions, only candidates from the UK/EU are eligible to apply.
The project supervisors cross the School of Law and Department of Geography at Swansea University. Initial enquiries can be made to Professors Marcus Doel. Applications before 10 May 2010 (apply online).
Fully-funded PhD Studentship Climate Science And The Risk Society in Swansea employer: Cknet Ina
Cknet Ina is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers to engage deeply with climate science and its societal impacts at Swansea University. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth, providing fully-funded PhD studentships that empower candidates to contribute meaningfully to pressing global challenges. Located in a vibrant academic community, employees benefit from access to leading experts and resources, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience.
