Game-changing innovation for climate change (WILSONC1U18SF)

To meet international climate change targets, emissions need to fall dramatically and soon. Game-changing innovations are needed to radically reshape the ways we produce, distribute and use energy and materials. As a result, game-changing innovations can help rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The aim of this PhD project is to identify low-carbon game changers and analyse why they are adopted and how they spread. Potential game changers at the edges of our current energy system range from shared autonomous vehicles to smart urban infrastructures to community-based reuse networks. Game changers often combine new digital technologies with conventional energy-using goods and services.

The successful applicant can choose which game-changing innovations to analyse, and at what scale (UK, EU, global). Specific research activities include:

(i) identifying how game-changing innovations have spread to date [1-2]
(ii) working with early-adopter groups to understand the appeal of game-changing innovations
(iii) analyzing policy, geographical, and socioeconomic variables which explain how game-changing innovations spread
(iv) analysing the potentially disruptive effects of game-changing innovations [3]
(iv) providing advice to policymakers and market intermediaries on how to support game-changing innovation for climate change

The successful applicant will have proven research capabilities demonstrated through a Masters-level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant social scientific discipline. Applicants with applied or vocational experience in a related field are also encouraged. The successful applicant will be based in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, a leading interdisciplinary research centre at the University of East Anglia. Through this PhD, the successful applicant will develop knowledge and methodological skills to support evidence-based policymaking.

Opportunities are also available for UK students, and others who are eligible for Research Council studentships, to apply for ESRC funding to work on similar topics in this area. Please see https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/doctoral-training-partnerships/senss-dtp-studentships for more information and contact Charlie Wilson if you are eligible.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: www.uea.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/people/profile/charlie-wilson
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: October 2018
Mode of study: Full time

Acceptable first degree: A first degree and Masters degree with a research component (or equivalent research experience) in an applied social science including, but not limited to, psychology, sociology, public health, economics, or environmental studies / science.