Fully funded PhD studentship. Students will lead research into social dimensions of plastics pollution with considerable autonomy in designing and carrying out projects with the support of an experienced supervisory team. Candidates will gain skills in interdisciplinary working, generating impactful research and liaising with business and external organisations and thus gain invaluable real -world experience.
Project Details
The challenge
Reusable take out plastic packaging is emerging as a possible solution to eliminate single use plastic packaging yet there is a lack of understanding regarding consumer attitudes and perceptions. Initial insights identified a number of potential challenges for consumers including concerns about hygiene, COVID related risk perceptions and inconvenience. This project will explore the challenge of reusables within NHS settings (e.g. hospital catering).
The key research question for this project will focus on understanding current attitudes, perceptions, behaviours (including cognitive and affective factors) concerning reusable food and drink containers. A central element will be to explore people’s willingness to adopt solutions, based on perceived benefits and barriers to change specifically within an NHS setting. The student will have the opportunity to develop policy briefing reports and guidance for best practice for businesses to implement real-world change.
It is anticipated that methods will include a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches involving visual analysis, interviews, rapid ethnography, and analysis of social media and we are open to creative methods and theories which reflect the candidates’ specialist area.
Funding partner
FSG are an innovative company who supply reusable alternatives to takeout disposables and are developing products and systems with a positive social, environmental, and economic impact. FSG work in universities and hospitals.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- a good First or Upper-Second (2:1) honours degree in a relevant area and
- preferably a relevant master's degree
from a UK university, or equivalent international qualifications, or qualifications and relevant experience that we consider to be equivalent.
Experience in subject areas includes:
- communications
- psychology
- sociology
- journalism
- media
- environmental science
- social anthropology
Apply
To be considered for this scholarship, eligible applicants must state “SCDT Dimensions of Plastics PhD Studentship” along with the Project Title in the Funding section of the application and apply formally online. Applicants should apply for either 1 October 2023 or 1 January 2024 start date.
Please submit your application with the following documents by the close of 7 June 2023:
- A 1000-word personal statement/proposal describing how your academic background and experience fits the project title you are applying for & how you would approach the research
- An academic curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts of degrees
- Two academic references – name and contact details
Applications will be ranked by a selection panel after the closing date and applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted for interview. Interviews are expected to be held around mid-June 2023.
The successful applicants must be available to commence study full-time on 1 October 2023.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Number of places: 1
Contact us
For informal enquiries regarding the projects please contact:
- Professor Lesley Henderson, Professor of Science Communication, School of Journalism, Media & Communication at [Email Address Removed]
- Professor Paul Flowers, Professor of Health Psychology, School of Psychology Sciences & Health at [Email Address Removed]
For any questions regarding the application process please contact: [Email Address Removed]
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