Enabling and evaluating collaborative transdisciplinary research on resilient coasts and seas

Interdisciplinary research has been of interest for a long time, yet there is still much we do not understand about how to stimulate collaboration across research disciplines (Newman, 2023). Scholarship on this topic has been largely theoretical (ibid.) and there has been little empirical investigation. As we increasingly try to address global-scale wicked problems (complex challenges that lack clear solutions or boundaries), generating empirical data relating to practical strategies for connecting researchers and encouraging them to work together across disciplinary boundaries, is a necessity. Scholars have started to explore this in the areas of education and doctoral training programmes (e.g. Carr et al., 2018), and to a lesser extent at the research organisation level (e.g. Bark et al., 2016), but few studies have empirically evaluated a specific research project(s). The inclusion of stakeholder contributions and different ways of knowing (trans-disciplinarity) complicates this even further.

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to focus on developing innovative frameworks to enable and evaluate inter/transdisciplinary research for transformative environmental decision-making. This project will explore how diverse academic disciplines and stakeholder perspectives can be integrated to address urgent sustainability issues. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of environmental science, social science, arts, and research methodology, contributing to the design of tools and strategies that foster effective collaboration and impactful outcomes.

This PhD is directly associated with a recently funded UKRI project - TRANSitions In Energy For Coastal Communities Over Time And Space (TRANSECTS; www.transects.org). TRANSECTS will combine natural and social sciences with arts and humanities to apply an inter/transdisciplinary spatial-temporal lens, interrogating the shifts out of and into systems of marine energy production and their implications for coastal sustainability and resilience. It takes a place-based approach: exploring differences across geographical scales (micro to macro), between mainland and island communities and different UK regions. Our three case studies - the Humber Estuary, Orkney Islands, and east-coast Scotland (Aberdeen to Edinburgh) - have all experienced these marine energy transitions. It is expected that the PhD will use this project as an indicative case example. There may also be an opportunity to also assess other projects funded by the same call (Resilient UK Coastal Communities and Seas Programme).

Indicative objectives may include:

1. Review how different disciplines explore interdisciplinarity and existing models of inter/transdisciplinary collaboration and evaluation.
2. Identify key enablers and barriers to effective inter/transdisciplinary research.
3. Co-design a framework for enabling collaboration across disciplines and with external stakeholders.
4. Develop evaluation criteria and tools to assess inter/transdisciplinary research processes and outcomes.
5. Pilot the framework in real-world research setting using the TRANSECTS project.

References

Bark R, Kragt ME, Robson BJ (2016) Evaluating an interdisciplinary research project: Lessons learned for organisations, researchers and funders. International Journal of Project Management,
Volume 34, Issue 8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.08.004 
Carr, G., Loucks, D.P. and Blöschl, G., (2018) Gaining insight into interdisciplinary research and education programmes: A framework for evaluation. Research Policy, 47(1), pp.35-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2017.09.010 
Newman, J. (2023). Promoting Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration: A Systematic Review, a Critical Literature Review, and a Pathway Forward. Social Epistemology, 38(2), 135–151. https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2023.2172694

Eligibility

This project is available to UK and International students however the scholarship only covers UK fees. International students may be required to cover the difference between home and international fees (approximately £20000 per annum for 3.5 years).

Applicants must possess a minimum of 2:1 at undergraduate level and preferably a masters degree

Ideal candidates will have a background in environmental studies, social sciences, business studies or interdisciplinary research methods, and a strong interest in systems thinking, policy engagement, or research evaluation. Experience of interdisciplinary methodologies and working would be beneficial.

Candidates will require conceptual and theoretical skills to contribute to framework development, and research and analytical skills in literature review and synthesis, qualitative research methods, and evaluation and impact assessment. They must also be able to describe complex issues in a means that is accessible to the range of stakeholders with whom they will work.

Finally, they will be highly self-motivated and confident enough to seek out solutions beyond the current team if required. 

Funding

This scholarship will cover tuition fees at the home rate and provide an annual stipend (paid in line with UKRI recommended rates, £20,780 in 2025-25) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

International students may be required to cover the difference between home and international fees (approximately £20000 per annum for 3.5 years).

How to Apply

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Environment as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2025-KA) and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Dr Karen Alexander (Karen.Alexander@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is 31 July 2025 and applicants should be available to start in October 2025. We expect interviews to take place in August 2025.