PhD Studentship : EPSRC DLA Studentship - Configuring Digital Experiences to enable Sustainable Futures

The aim of this PhD research is to advance the integration of digital tools into management approaches to support sustainable decision-making in industry, focusing particularly on immersive technologies like mixed reality (AR/VR). Specifically, the candidate will explore how digital augmentations in mixed reality can enhance strategic management tools to make sustainability-driven decisions less hard to take.

This study is motivated by the observation that, despite the pressing need for sustainability, industry transitions towards sustainable practices remain slow. Managers frequently prioritize incremental changes over bold, transformative decisions due to cognitive challenges in balancing immediate economic benefits with the long-term, uncertain rewards of sustainable strategies.

While management tools like scenario planning and roadmapping exist to help decision-makers bridge the temporal gap between current circumstances and potential future outcomes, their effectiveness in lowering cognitive barriers remains largely unproven. How effective are interventions with management tools in supporting sustainable decision-making?

AR /VR applications are expected to reduce cognitive barriers by enabling individuals to explore scenarios beyond the limitations of the present, thereby enhancing their ability to envision and understand future possibilities. Are management tools enhanced via digital interfaces such VR or AR more effective? When?

Building on ongoing work within the Decision-Making for Emerging Technology Group, the PhD candidate's research will focus on designing immersive experiences aimed at reducing cognitive barriers in sustainability-oriented decision-making. Key objectives include evaluating the effectiveness of traditional management tools in reducing cognitive barriers and configuring digital tools such as mixed reality (AR/VR), to maximize their potential in supporting sustainable decision-making.

EPSRC DLA studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees. EU and international students may be considered for a small number of awards at the Home fees rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; What is my fee status? | Postgraduate Study

With, or expected to gain a high 2:1, preferably a 1st class honours degree or master's in Management, Engineering, Neuroscience, Psychology or related areas.

Knowledge of management / psychology theory, previous experience in running experiments with human subjects and knowledge on how to program (e.g. Unity) and configure VR/AR experiences are highly desirable characteristics.

Applications should be submitted via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal PhD in Engineering | Postgraduate Study with Dr Letizia Mortara identified as the potential supervisor.

The following supporting documents in English are required:

• a detailed Curriculum Vitae (2 pages),
• a motivation letter (up to 800 words)
• a presentation of your research project (up to 2000 words),
•  a copy of your official academic degree(s) and corresponding transcripts,
•  proof of English proficiency
•  two references (preferably one from your final year project supervisor) to arrive no later than 3rd February 2025

Please note that any offer of funding will be conditional on securing a place as a PhD student. Candidates will need to apply separately for admission through the University's Graduate Admissions application portal; this can be done before or after applying for this funding opportunity. The applicant portal can be accessed via the 'Apply' button above. 

The funding is conditional on submitting this application before 31 March 2025.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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