About the Project
Project Code: EPSRC_2023_04
Project Introduction
Reliable, safe and resilient critical infrastructure, which is able to supply water, energy, communications, waste services and transport systems, is essential to society. Society needs to understand how infrastructure will evolve with environmental changes. Our infrastructure is a system of interconnected systems and a strong understanding of the interdependencies between infrastructure assets is essential. This includes the impact of failure due to hazard events linked to environmental change. This project will help to develop adaptation actions towards multi hazard risk reduction, and the cascading and the compound nature of disasters on infrastructure, both locally and across national frontiers.
Project Details
According to a study by the EU Joint Research Centre, damage to infrastructure due to disasters and climate change in Europe currently amounts to approximately €9.3 billion annually. This is expected to soar to €19.3 billion by 2050 and €37 billion by 2080. The energy and transport sectors will be the most affected, with annual expected damages of €8.2 billion by 2080 for the energy sector and €0.8 billion by the end of the century for the transport sector (EU Science Hub, 2017). The Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) reported that, in 2018 alone, 1,889 infrastructure assets in 20 countries in Europe and Central Asia were damaged or destroyed as a result of disasters, amounting to direct economic losses of over $3 billion (UNDRR SFM report, 2020).
In the face of uncertainties, how do we develop and manage infrastructure that will adapt to a changing climate and hazard events linked to environmental change?
A common set of issues challenge efforts to change these dynamics:
- No common understanding of what “resilient infrastructure” constitutes (should go beyond simply recovering and into adapting to changing conditions and transforming for “building for the future”)
- Lack of understanding on how our infrastructure will evolve with hazard events linked to environmental change
- Lack of disaster loss data and understanding on how cascading hazard risks impact infrastructure systems (linked to the interconnected nature of infrastructure), both locally and across national frontiers
- Lack of clarity on the role that governance, the private sector, and the society in enabling infrastructure which are resilient to environmental change
On top of these challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has painfully shown the breadth of the consequences on cascading hazard risks impact infrastructure systems.
In this context, this PhD project is an effort to address the following:
- Improved understanding of “resilient” infrastructure and the metrics and principles of resilience
- Improved knowledge of the interdependencies, interactions, and connectedness of infrastructure systems
- A better understanding of vulnerabilities of infrastructure to climate change, and how our infrastructure will evolve with hazard events linked to environmental change (including, impact-based forecasting, early warning, and rapid information dissemination in the interests of achieving more resilient infrastructure and societal preparedness, comprehensive models of physical, social, and economic infrastructure)
- Greater clarity on the role of governance and policy mechanisms available to make infrastructure resilient, and pathways to deal with complex interdependencies so that society is better prepared
Entry Requirements
This EPSRC DTP studentship is fully funded (fees and maintenance) for an eligible UK student. EU and international students may also be considered for this award.
Candidate should have as a minimum a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in in Engineering, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Built Environment, or related disciplines.
Research experience on disaster resilience, climate change, global environmental landscape and/or infrastructure is desirable.
This call is open to UK Applicants only.
Applicants should be of outstanding quality and exceptionally motivated.
The studentships are funded for 3 years subject to satisfactory annual performance and progression review, and will provide for tuition fees and a tax-free stipend paid monthly.
Please note that there are more projects than funded studentships available and therefore this is a competitive application process which will include an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview in person or via Teams. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a studentship.
Queries about the application process are welcome and should be directed by email to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk.
Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.
Application details
- Complete the Expression of Interest Form 2023
- Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
- Provide references from two individuals
Completed forms, including all relevant documents should be submitted via-email to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk
Please note: if you do not attach all the relevant documentation prior to the closing date of 19 May 2023 your application will not be considered.
Interviews are expected to take place from the week commencing 13th June 2023.
Funding Notes
3 years full time research covering tuition fees and a tax free bursary (stipend) starting at £17,668 for 2022/23 and increasing in line with the EPSRC guidelines for the subsequent years.
Funded via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Doctoral Training Programme
