AHRC CDA Studentship: Mapping Fossil Colonialism in Asia, c. 1810–1914

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship to be held at the Department of History, University of Warwick and the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), London. The studentship explores how, across various locales in Asia during the long nineteenth century, maps and other visual materials played a major role in establishing fossil fuels as exploitable resources. Although put to work primarily in the service of imperial power and profit, fossil fuels were often extracted, understood, and employed differently in Asia. 

This project develops the innovative hypothesis that ‘fossil colonialism’ in Asia was inspired by, but also crucially departed from, ‘fossil capitalism’ in the Euro-Western world. A major focus here will be the influence of Asian knowledges and practices on colonial representations and assessments of fossil fuels. 

Using visual sources from the RGS-IBG archive along with a range of other British archives and collections in India and Southeast, Central, or East Asia, the project will bring largely overlooked source material to bear on a set of pressing historiographical and environmental questions. These concern how images of fossil fuels drew on the expertise of multiple agents, playing crucial roles in making subterranean resource appear exploitable and useful; and how the colonial extraction and deployment of fossil fuels should inform public and policy understandings of environmental and climate crises today. 

The project will be jointly supervised by Dr Thomas Simpson (Warwick), Dr Sarah Evans (RGS-IBG), Dr James Poskett (Warwick), and Dr Catherine Souch (RGS-IBG).

Studentship Details

The studentship offers funding for a minimum of 3.5 years or part-time equivalent, with scope for additional funding for professional development opportunities.

The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time home PhD rate, and full maintenance for 3.5 years, plus an additional CDP maintenance payment, and access to a Research Travel Support Grant.

International applicants would not be required to cover the difference between home and international fees, which will be met by the University of Warwick

Eligibility

The studentship is open to both home and international students. It may be taken up on either a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree and a distinction-level Master’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in History, History of Science, Human Geography, Science and Technology Studies, Postcolonial Studies, or a cognate discipline. Applicants should have experience in the analysis of primary and secondary historical sources. Familiarity with environmental history, the history of science, the history of cartography, and the history of Southwest, South, Southeast, East, and/or Central Asia would be an advantage. Proficiency in one or more of the languages used in these regions during the period of focus is not essential but may also be advantageous.

We encourage the widest range of potential applications. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates as they are currently underrepresented in the sector at this level. 

Application

For full project details and how to apply please visit the webpage link.

Closing Date: Friday 31 May 2024 at 17:00 hours (BST)

Advert information