New PhD Opportunity: Investigating effects of extreme weather events on indoor environment , household behaviour and housing management

As climate change accelerates, the UK is already feeling the effects of more frequent and intense extreme weather events—heatwaves, storms, and prolonged cold spells are becoming our new normal. These events aren’t just outdoor phenomena; they have real and often invisible consequences within the walls of our homes.

But what exactly happens inside homes during these extreme events? How are people—particularly those in vulnerable housing—coping? And what can housing providers and policymakers do to better protect public health?

A new fully funded PhD studentship supported by the University of Exeter and Met Office aims to tackle these urgent questions head-on.

Why This Research Matters

Extreme weather can significantly affect indoor environments, altering temperature, humidity, and air quality. These changes influence household behaviours, strain existing health conditions, and demand new types of responses from housing providers. Yet, much of the UK’s climate health research still focuses on outdoor exposures—leaving a critical knowledge gap around what happens inside homes.

This is especially concerning for social housing residents, who are more likely to live in poorly insulated or maintained properties. These households often have limited means to adapt or respond effectively to climate pressures, making them more vulnerable to its health impacts.

The Research Vision

Led by Dr Hanbin Zang at the University of Exeter, with co-supervision from Professor Emma Bland, Dr Tim Walker, and Professor Rosa Barciela from the Met Office, this project offers a unique interdisciplinary and applied research opportunity.

The core question guiding the PhD is:

How does extreme weather (e.g. heat waves and storms) affect the indoor environment (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality), household behaviours and health, and housing provider responses (e.g. building repairs and household support)?

This ambitious project invites both quantitative and qualitative research approaches—and encourages a mix of both.

Secondary research questions, dependent on method choice, are:

1. Can outdoor temperature be used to predict indoor temperature peak events? Can this be reflected in the public weather warning messaging systems?
2. How do social housing residents perceive and respond to extreme weather events in their daily lives?
3. Does extreme weather lead to more building repairment requests? How are housing providers currently managing this?
4. In what ways can housing management and public health strategies be adapted to enhance resilience and mitigate the health impacts of climate change on residents?

 

Rich Data & Real-World Impact

To support this work, the research team has secured access to a large-scale dataset:

• Thousands of UK homes equipped with indoor sensors recording temperature, humidity, and air quality at minute-level resolution (2023–2025)

• Outdoor weather data from the Met Office, aligned by location

• Potential access to additional data on public health outcomes, housing provider responses, and resident behaviours

Qualitative researchers will also benefit from connections to housing providers, resident groups, and the Met Office, opening doors to interviews, focus groups, and community-based research.

Methodology Options

The project is flexible in its approach and welcomes creativity. Potential methods include:

🧠 Quantitative Approaches:

• Time-series and predictive modelling

• Epidemiological analysis

• Sensor and weather data analytics

🗣️ Qualitative & Mixed Methods:

• Interviews and ethnography

• Focus groups and participatory mapping

• Document analysis and stakeholder engagement

Students are encouraged to propose innovative methodologies that suit their skills and interests.

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Who Should Apply?

This PhD is open to applicants from a wide range of disciplines including data science, mathematics, environmental science, geography, sociology, or psychology.

We welcome two types of candidates:

🔹 Quantitative Researchers

• Experience with large datasets

• Skills in programming (preferably R), data science, or public health analytics

• Strong communication skills

🔹 Qualitative Researchers

• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis

• Comfort working with vulnerable groups

• Familiarity with tools like NVivo or Atlas.ti (training available)

Mixed-methods experience is a bonus, but not essential. What matters most is a passion for understanding how climate change shapes lived experiences and a commitment to research with real-world impact.

Location & Collaboration

The project is based at the European Centre for Environment & Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall—an inspiring setting for impactful research. The role may also involve visits to stakeholder organisations and placements with the Net+ Centre and Met Office partners.

Ready to Apply?

This is your chance to help shape the future of climate resilience, housing policy, and public health in the UK.

🔍 PhD Title: Effects of Extreme Weather Events on Indoor Environment, Household Behaviour, and Housing Management
📍 Location: Penryn Campus, University of Exeter
📄 Ref: 5569
🗓️ Duration: 3-4 years (full time)

Find more information here

👉 APPLY NOW

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Let’s bring the indoors into climate conversation.
Apply now and be part of the solution.