125th Anniversary Scholarship for Black British Researchers - Climate Change, Geopolitical Tensions and Food Security in Europe

The European agricultural sector is facing growing pressure from economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, which threaten food security, farmer livelihoods, and social stability. Recent farmer protests across Europe reflect concerns over rising costs and stricter environmental regulations, as well as fears of losing international competitiveness due to reforms in the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the UK's Agricultural Transition Plan (UK-ATP). At the same time, the sector is under increasing scrutiny for its significant greenhouse gas emissions and impact on biodiversity, as governments push for sustainable practices to meet Net-Zero targets. However, these environmental pressures come as climate change and biodiversity loss themselves pose direct threats to agriculture, worsening food insecurity. The situation is further destabilised by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, which has disrupted global food supply chains, increased production costs, and exacerbated Europe’s cost-of-living crisis, revealing the continent’s heavy reliance on imported agricultural inputs like fertilizers and animal feed. These interconnected challenges highlight the delicate balance between sustainability, economic resilience, and food security in shaping the future of European agriculture.

The PhD student will examine the links between environmental policies, climate change, and geopolitical events and their impact on food security in Europe. The research will use quantitative methods to assess how agricultural policies, such as the CAP and UK-ATP, influence farm productivity, production costs, and market competitiveness. It will also evaluate the effects of climate change on food security, analysing how extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns disrupt domestic food production, trade, and system resilience. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of geopolitical events, using the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a case study to understand how global crises affect supply chains, production costs, and farmers' livelihoods. The project will develop expertise in policy analysis, climate risk assessment, and geopolitical economic impacts, contributing to strategies that enhance food security and economic resilience in Europe.

The PhD student will be based in the Department of Economics and jointly supervised by Dr Allan Beltran, Dr Sami Bensassi, and Dr Liza Jabbour. The programme will have a duration of 3.5-years starting in September 2025, and students must successfully complete compulsory advanced-level modules in their first semester, including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Research Methods.

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The University of Birmingham is proud to celebrate its remarkable 125-year journey and announce the launch of a groundbreaking scholarship initiative designed to empower and support Black British researchers in their pursuit of doctoral education.

These newly established 3.5-year scholarships aim to address underrepresentation and create opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to excel in academia. You can find out more here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/funding/black-british-researchers-scholarship

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