PhD Studentship in War and Climate Change

Project title: Towards Greener Wars

Supervisors:  Dr Saeed Bagheri / Professor Benoit Mayer

Project Overview: War and other military operations are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet these emissions are almost entirely omitted from the scope of international and national law and policy initiatives relating to the mitigation of climate change.

The thesis will address a topic related, broadly speaking, to the relation between war and climate change. It may for instance aim at

• Achieving a better understanding of how existing international and domestic climate law applies to military operations and how international humanitarian law applies to climate impacts,
• Providing a clearer picture of existing legal norms and policy initiatives, whether on the international or domestic plane, that seek to reduce the climate impact of military operations,
• Formulating policy recommendations outlining realistic and effective options to decarbonize military operations.

The successful candidate will undertake a course in legal research methods during the first year as a full-time student. This provides training in legal research methodology and supports PhD students in designing, refining and carrying out their research projects. In addition to opportunities available in the School, the candidate will also have access to a wide range of training opportunities offered by the Doctoral and Researcher College.

Eligibility: 

• Applicants should hold or expect to gain a master’s degree or equivalent in a course with a substantial element of law.
• This studentship is open to UK and International applicants.

Funding Details:   

• Starts September 2026
• 4-year award
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£20,780 in 2025/26)

How to apply:  

To apply, click “Apply for a Programme” (via the above 'Apply' button), to create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process, please select ‘PhD in Law’.

*Important notes*

1. Please quote the reference ‘DRC26-005’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
2. Applicants should submit a research proposal as part of their online application.
3. Applicants should upload a current CV outlining their academic background and relevant experience.

Application Deadline: 30 January 2026

Further Enquiries:  

For further details, please contact Dr Saeed Bagheri at saeed.bagheri@reading.ac.uk

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria.

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