Christopher Moyes Memorial Foundation PhD Studentship

Applications are invited for the Christopher Moyes Memorial Foundation (CMMF) PhD Studentship, a prestigious, fully funded opportunity to undertake a full-time PhD at Durham University, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive institutions.

This Studentship supports a talented and highly motivated international or UK-based individual to conduct high-quality, interdisciplinary research that contributes to building resilience to hazards and risks affecting human societies. The award is particularly focused on research relevant to relatively low-income populations in the Global South and is aimed at applicants who may not otherwise have the financial means to pursue doctoral study.

The Studentship is generously funded by the Christopher Moyes Memorial Foundation, established in memory of Mr Christopher Moyes, OBE, to support research that seeks practical solutions to global challenges. It offers a transformational opportunity for a candidate committed to addressing real-world problems and producing research with meaningful benefits for people living in the areas studied.

The successful candidate will be associated with the Durham University Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR), and based in the Department of Geography. Their PhD will contribute to IHRR’s internationally recognised work on hazards, risk, and resilience. Geography at Durham is a world-leading department, ranked 11^th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject and 8th in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Applicants must apply to one of ten indicative PhD project themes, each supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team. These project descriptions outline the broad research focus and expertise available; the successful candidate will refine and develop the specific research questions, methods, and case-study focus in collaboration with their supervisors during the early stages of the PhD. Only one CMMF Studentship will be awarded across all applicants.

What is offered

• Full tuition fees for 3.5 years (home or overseas rate)
• Annual maintenance stipend (aligned with UKRI rates)
• Visa costs
• Research training and fieldwork support (£5,000 per year)
• Membership of a Durham College (Middle Common Room)

Who should apply

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic potential and motivation, hold (or be completing) a First or Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or international equivalent), and normally have a Master’s degree or equivalent research experience. Applicants must be able to meet Durham University’s English language requirements. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who may have faced barriers to accessing postgraduate education and from underrepresented groups.

Full details, project descriptions, and application instructions are available at: tinyurl.com/CMMF-2026-Studentship

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