PhD in Water Resources: Parametric Protection from Drought Risk and Water Scarcity in the 21st Century

Award summary

Newcastle University, School of Engineering Funded Studentship: annual living allowance of £24,000 + research grant + home/UK fees paid.

Overview

Capital investments in water infrastructure are often the first adaptation solution considered when planning for resilient water infrastructure, especially in a changing climate. However, insurance plays an equally significant role in protecting individuals and organisations at risk to drought and water scarcity. To build a society which is fully resilient to current and future water-related challenges requires consideration of both types of adaptation. This project will contribute towards a better understanding of the role of insurance in achieving resilient, dynamic and complex water systems.

This project will develop a state-of-the-art Hydrosystems modelling framework to systematically and strategically identify industry-relevant index-based parameters for sector-specific drought insurance that account for climate change and changing water security risks. The results from the project will help to communicate 21st century drought and water security risks to the climate-vulnerable energy, agriculture and industry sectors, and quantify the benefits of adopting parametric drought policies.

This PhD studentship is part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT, funded by Newcastle University (School of Engineering)

Number of awards: 1

Start date: September 2025

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: Newcastle University (School of Engineering)

Supervisor: Dr Anna Murgatroyd Lecturer in Hydrology, School of Engineering

Eligibility criteria:

This PhD studentship is open to UK/Home candidates only.

A First Meng/MSc in a relevant subject or First or upper second class UG degree (2:1). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8209F
• Select ‘PhD Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form.
• The studentship code WRII2505 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

Contact details: justine.easten@ncl.ac.uk

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