Duration of Studentship: 4 years

Vacancy Information

UCL STEaPP’s Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is centered on fostering the development of world-class interdisciplinary researchers and practitioners concerned with the role of STEM knowledge in decision-making. The programme bridges between STEM and Social Sciences, and there is a strong emphasis on ‘impact-oriented research’ and of ‘co-production’ with academic, policy and industry partners.

Doctoral students will be trained in specific cross-disciplinary skillsets, but also in how to design and execute their research initiatives so they are relevant and usable for external partners.

The department is able to offer three full-time (4 year) EPSRC Studentships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy. More details can be found on our website www.ucl.ac.uk/steapp/doctoral.

We are seeking applications from individuals able to commence studies on 21 September 2015.

Studentship Description

STEaPP Topics

A key goal for the programme is to prompt doctoral researchers to blend disciplinary tools to offer analysis on pressing problems currently faced by decision-makers. When applying for an EPSRC Studentship students must choose one of the following five topics (clustered in three areas), associated with primary supervisors:

Science advice

1. The practices of science advice in policy-making (Dr Jason Blackstock)

2. Cities, networks and knowledge management (Dr Michele Acuto)

Integrated assessment

3. Integrated modelling of climate change and development (Prof Yacob Mulugetta)

Innovation

4. Innovation for sustainable development: Green materials (Dr Kira Matus)

5. Accelerating technology innovation in energy: A new role for governments? (Dr Laura Diaz Anadon)

Students are expected to include a short proposal on one of these topics in their application.

Supervision

STEaPP’s doctoral degrees are supervised research degrees in which candidates carry out independent research. Students will typically work between two UCL departments, with a public policy focus at STEaPP and an applied methodological focus in a sister department from the UCL BEAMS School (School of the Built Environment, Engineering and Mathematical and Physical Sciences). Students will also be encouraged to take courses and undertake research with other departments across UCL, as valuable for their research. This enables students to progressively develop a career track and analytical edge over colleagues that undergo training in a single discipline or research centre.

Funding

Full-time tuition fees for 2015/16 are £4,635 for UK/EU students, and £21,530 for overseas applicants. STEaPP invites applications from wholly or partially self-funded applicants, as well as those interested in studentships.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an EPSRC Studentship, you must have settled status in the UK and have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the Studentship. The EPSRC studentship award covers tuition and a stipend of £21,000 per annum. However, STEaPP may be willing to make an exception to the award criteria for a strong candidate and so all interested students – whether from the UK, EU or international – are encouraged to apply. All studentships are awarded on the basis of merit.

Thinking of applying?

Interested applicants are advised to make initial informal enquiries via email to Prof Arthur Petersen, Director of Doctoral Studies (arthur.petersen<στο>ucl.ac.uk). The application should be done following the standard UCL Engineering on-line application procedure via PRiSM (http://www.prism.ucl.ac.uk).
More information http://www.ucl.ac.uk/steapp/doctoral.

Contact name: Professor Arthur Petersen, Director of Doctoral Studies
Contact details: arthur.petersen<στο>ucl.ac.uk
Latest time for the submission of applications: 23:59
Interview date: To be arranged
Studentship Start Date: 21 September 2015

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