Exciting PhD Opportunity : Investigating Health Impacts of Home Energy Efficiency Policies

The University of Exeter’s Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences is delighted to invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship, supported by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). This studentship is linked to the Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions and is set to commence on 1 October 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

For eligible candidates, the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees and provide an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for four years full-time, or pro-rata for part-time study. The successful candidate will be based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH), within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

About the Project

As the UK works towards net zero goals, measures to reduce energy consumption in homes are essential. However, these interventions can have both positive and negative effects on human health. For example, improving insulation can enhance thermal comfort and lower energy bills, but it may also trap indoor pollutants or encourage mould growth. This has led to calls for “whole house solutions” that consider multiple health impacts when designing interventions.

This PhD project will explore the health impacts of home energy efficiency policies and evaluate their economic costs and benefits. The research may involve:

• Health impact assessments

• Statistical analysis of secondary data to estimate health outcomes

• Discrete choice experiments to assign value to specific health endpoints

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome candidates with strong quantitative skills who are interested in gaining mixed-methods experience. Ideal applicants may include:

• Economists or econometricians interested in epidemiology and policy analysis

• Epidemiologists with statistical skills keen to develop economics and policy expertise

Experience in environmental or public health economics, epidemiology, or energy efficiency is an advantage but not essential. Proficiency in R, Stata, or similar statistical software is also beneficial, though training will be provided. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Placement and Research Experience

The PhD will be based at ECEHH, with potential visits to stakeholders for data collection and placements at external supervisors’ institutions or other organisations.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone passionate about public health, environmental policy, and sustainable housing solutions to contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact.

Primary Supervisor: Professor Tim Taylor (University of Exeter)

Secondary Supervisors:

Professor Antonieta Medina-Lara (University of Exeter)

Professor Duncan Russel (University of Exeter)

Dr Helen Macintyre (UK Health Security Agency)

Dr Christina Mitsakou (UK Health Security Agency)

This studentship is supported by UKRI through its Securing Better Health, Ageing, and Wellbeing strategic theme (grant number ES/Z504245/1)

APPLY HERE