PhD Studentship: Exploring Effective Strategies of Communicating Flood Forecasting Using a CHANS Modelling Framework

Rationale:

Surface water flooding - also referred to as pluvial flooding - is caused by intense, highly localised convective rainfall creating excessive runoff that cannot drain away quickly enough. According to a recent Defra report, it is the UK’s most widespread form of flooding, with 3.2m properties at risk in England alone. Recent events, e.g., the July 2021 floods in London, demonstrate inadequate preparedness for such events. Several recent UK government reports highlight an urgent need for surface water flood risk mitigation and management so owners of at-risk homes and businesses can better protect their property.

Methodology:

The aim is to apply a newly developed Coupled Human And Natural Systems (CHANS) model to simulate and understand the interactive human behaviours and social dynamics before and during a surface water flood event induced by intense rainfall. This will be related to different scenarios of flood forecasting and warning provision. Subsequently, we will design and carry out systematic numerical experiments to explore effective strategies of communicating flood forecasting and warning.

Data from different sources, e.g. UK national census, social media, literature, will be processed to understand and describe human and organisational behaviours. Participatory Action Research methodologies will be deployed to unlock a deeper understanding of different groups and types of agents and their interactions in order to construct the coupled human and natural system in the case study site (jointly decided with the partners). Scenarios will be co-developed and simulated to understand the human response to flood forecasting and warnings and explore effective communication strategies that maximize their impact on flood forecasting and warning effectiveness.

Entry requirements:

Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant
subject.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

Studentship type – UKRI through Flood-CDT (flood-cdt.ac.uk)
The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus university tuition fees at the UK rate.

How to apply:

All applications must be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select 'Centre for Doctoral Training in Resilient Flood Futures'. Please quote the advertised reference number: FCDT-25-LU6-2 in your application. This PhD is being advertised as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT). Further details about FLOOD-CDT can be found at https://flood-cdt.ac.uk. Please note that your application will be assessed upon: (1) Motivation and Career Aspirations; (2) Potential & Intellectual Excellence; (3) Suitability for specific project and (4) Fit to FLOOD-CDT. So please familiarise yourself with the FLOOD-CDT before applying. During the application process candidates will need to upload:

• A 1 page statement of your research interests in flooding and FLOOD-CDT and your rationale for your choice of project
• A curriculum vitae giving details of your academic record and stating your research interests
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English)
• An IELTS/TOEFL certificate, if applicable

You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project specific aspects of the proposed prior to submitting your application. If you have any general questions please contact floodcdt@soton.ac.uk.

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