PhD Studentship: Harnessing Floodwaters: Adaptive Strategies for Sustainable Water Resources and Flood Risk Management under Future Uncertainty

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

Climate extremes are exacerbating water scarcity and flooding challenges. This PhD tackles an untapped opportunity—turning floodwater from hazard into resource to boost water security in the UK. Are you ready to shape the future of flood resilience and water management? Do you want to deliver real-world impact through collaboration with government and industry? 

We need adaptive and resilient water resources management strategies to address the growing risk of flood and droughts. Yet, despite its potential, floodwater reuse is often overlooked. This pioneering research will investigate catchment-wide solutions to harness floodwaters as sources of supply and explore mechanisms to overcome barriers to their implementation. You will work in partnership with the Environment Agency, and the research could contribute to the development of national strategic water resources infrastructure. Your findings also have the potential to shape policy tools for a more sustainable and resilient future. 

What’s in it for you?

• Network widely: collaborate across government, academia and industry, including leading water sector stakeholders: the Environment Agency, water companies, top consultancy companies, Natural England, Defra and Ofwat.
• Grow as a communicator and leader: build project management, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills and disseminate your research to a range of audiences.
• Shape your expertise: Explore water resources modelling and scenario analysis under climate and socio-economic uncertainty, stress test adaptation options, evaluate trade-offs, analyse policy and governance frameworks, and compare UK and international best practices.
• Develop high value technical skills: strategic and analytical thinking, systems thinking, adaptative planning, and translation of science into actionable policy recommendations.
• Join a world class community: benefit from the vibrant Flood Centre for Doctoral Training and bespoke training. 

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1^st October 2026

Award duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Supervisors: Dr Caspar Hewett

Eligibility criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (inc. computing, mathematics, engineering etc.). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please see www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/fees-funding/search-funding/?code=flood267

Contact details: caspar.hewett@newcastle.ac.uk

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