PhD Studentship: Innovation, Geopolitics and the Future of Europe in Space

Start date: 21 September 2026

Overview

The Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space (LCHS) has been awarded up to £10m for 10 years to transform the academic landscape when it comes to our understanding of Space through the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The LCHS will support cohorts of interdisciplinary postdoctoral and doctoral researchers alongside Leicester’s existing staff and Centre collaborators to develop new intellectual insights, innovative new methodological approaches, and build new collaborations. LCHS is based at Space Park Leicester, where the Centre’s researchers work alongside research scientists, start-up space companies, business and governmental bodies.

As part of this vibrant programme, we are seeking to recruit a fully funded PhD student to join our team of researchers working across the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Leicester.

Supervisors:

• Dr Raúl González Muñoz rgm12@leicester.ac.uk
• Dr Boyka Simeonova b.simeonova@leicester.ac.uk 

Project description:

The global space sector is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Rapid technological change, the rise of New Space companies, increasing private investment, AI-enabled systems, dual-use technologies, and growing geopolitical competition are reshaping the future of space activities. Space is no longer only about exploration. It increasingly underpins communications, security, Earth observation, navigation, critical infrastructure, and economic competitiveness.
Against this backdrop, Europe faces a major strategic challenge: how can it build a globally competitive and innovative space ecosystem while maintaining technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy?

This interdisciplinary PhD project will explore the future of the European space economy and examine how innovation ecosystems, industrial strategies, policy frameworks, and emerging business models shape Europe’s position in an increasingly competitive and multipolar world.

Potential themes include:

• Space innovation, AI, and dual-use technologies
• Strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in critical sectors
• Public procurement, investment, and venture capital ecosystems
• Industrial competitiveness and European space champions
• Space policy, governance, and geopolitical competition

The relationship between commercial actors, governments, and defence institutions

The project welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds including business, economics, innovation studies, political science, international relations, public policy, engineering, geography, and related disciplines. Methodologically, candidates will have flexibility to shape the project around their own interests and strengths using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches including case studies, interviews, policy analysis, network analysis, market studies, or data-driven methods.

The research will contribute to debates surrounding the future of European competitiveness and the changing role of space in the global economy, while offering opportunities to engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international space communities.

This PhD will be co-supervised by Dr Raúl González Muñoz and Dr Boyka Simeonova at the University of Leicester School of Business. Please reach out to Dr Raúl González Muñoz to discuss possible projects.

To apply please complete our Research Proposal form and follow the advice under How to Apply below

Funding

The Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space PhD Studentship will provide:

4 years full tuition fees (UK or Overseas as required)
4 years UKRI rate stipend - for 2026/7 the rate will be £21,805 pa (paid monthly)

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject or overseas equivalent and a Master's Degree.  

The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.

Informal enquiries

Please email Dr Raúl González Muñoz to discuss possible projects.

Application advice to pgradmissions@le.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply please use the 'Apply' button above and select September 2026.

Download and complete your Research Proposal Form

With your application, please include:  

• CV
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
• Degree Certificates and Transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
• Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
• In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Project supervisors are not able to act as referees.
• In the proposal section upload your completed Research Proposal Form. Include the name of your proposed supervisor, academic department and project title in the space provided.
• In the funding section please specify SoB - Dr Raúl González Muñoz (Leverhulme)

Eligibility

UK and International applicants can apply

Application options 

Leverhulme Centre (LCHS)