PhD Studentship: Flood Management, Social Learning, and Community Resilience

Flood Management, Social Learning, and Community Resilience

DoS Dr Simon Dickinson (simon.dickinson@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 1752 585903)

2^nd Supervisor Dr Alan Smith (alan.smith@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor Dr Alison Stokes (alison.stokes@plymouth.ac.uk)

The studentship would be supported by an interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) led by Dr Paul Lunt (paul.lunt@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 1752 584580) and Professor Richard Brazier (Director of CREWW, University of Exeter).

Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st April 2023.

Project Description

Community Flood Groups (CFGs) often play an important role in the development and implementation of catchment-scale flood management strategies. Previous research suggests that such groups, normally focused on reducing risk by fostering local engagement/participation, can stimulate radical and transformative community change. Yet, their potential is often dependant on the legislative, technical, and financial enabling of others in the governance/management system.

Recognising this, the project will examine the dynamics and opportunities for knowledge sharing and social learning across CFGs in different catchments. The project explores how knowledge is transferred between catchments at the community-scale, and the impacts this might have on flood resilience and engagement. The successful candidate will investigate (i) learning between groups in different catchments (i.e. in what ways are CFGs currently networked and what are the opportunities for knowledge sharing between these CFGs?) and (ii) how CFGs stimulate social learning within catchments (i.e. how do CFGs foster learning and engagement in affected communities?). In doing so, they will contribute to a better understanding of both intra- and inter-catchment social learning and resilience-building.

The research is part of an integrated framework of flood monitoring and research, involving 22 community, university, and governmental project partners across Devon. As part of a program of research, the candidate will also benefit from lateral support within the team of 5 PhD students, and two very strong research-led teams of academics at University of Plymouth and University of Exeter.

Candidate requirements

A background in, or understanding of, one of the following areas is necessary: flood management; risk governance; community action; social learning in the hazard context. Some experience of qualitative field work (for example, ethnography, interviews, focus groups, participatory action research) and analysis, is essential, although project specific training will be provided.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Simon Dickinson (simon.dickinson@plymouth.ac.uk) 

Eligibility

For entry requirements and funding details, please visit here .

To apply for this position please visit here.

Please clearly state the name of the DoS and the studentship title that you are applying for on your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact Research Degree research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 10^th February 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview the week beginning 27^th February.  Applicants who have not received a response within two weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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