PhD Studentship Opportunity: Exploring the Link Between Climate Change and Violence

The Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions at the University of Exeter is excited to invite applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship, starting in the 2025/26 academic year. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the Net+ Centre brings together a dynamic partnership, including the UK Health Security Agency, the National Trust and Forest Research and several other organisations, to pioneer research on “net-positive” solutions.

What Are Net-Positive Solutions?
Net-positive approaches aim to tackle climate challenges while creating positive outcomes for both human and environmental health. This means reducing negative health impacts from climate change interventions, promoting ecosystem recovery, and enhancing human wellbeing—all while addressing inequalities in communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts.

The Focus of This PhD
This PhD project will investigate the relationship between climate-induced environmental stressors—particularly heat—and patterns of violence in the UK. While climate change is known to affect health outcomes such as heat stroke, cardiovascular issues, asthma, PTSD, and vector-borne diseases, its link to violence is less often explored. Research suggests that extreme heat can increase aggression, domestic violence, and violent crime, which disproportionately affects women and has broader public health implications.

Research Approach
The project will primarily use quantitative methods, including:

• Secondary Data Analysis: Linking reported incidents of violence with weather data to identify correlations between climate variables (temperature extremes, humidity) and violent crime.

• Health Impact Assessment: Quantifying the health consequences of recorded violence.

• Additional Data Sources: Using calls to domestic abuse hotlines (via Freedom of Information requests) to explore connections between climate-related stress and violence.

• Future Modelling: Estimating violence-related health burdens under different climate scenarios and mitigation strategies.

Alongside data analysis, the PhD will involve stakeholder engagement through interviews with policymakers, law enforcement, charities, and healthcare providers to ensure findings are actionable and relevant.

Who Should Apply?
The project welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to climate science, psychology, mathematics, environmental science, law, computer science, and public health. Essential skills include working with large datasets, statistical analysis, and basic programming.

Location & Benefits
The studentship is based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH) at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, with potential visits to stakeholders and project meetings.

For eligible home students, the award covers full tuition fees plus a tax-free annual stipend of at least £20,780 for four years (pro-rata for part-time study). International students are welcome to apply; however, the award covers only part of the international tuition fee (approximately £25,000) and does not include a living stipend. Applicants must also cover visa, healthcare, and relocation costs.

Eligibility Considerations
Eligibility for home fees can be complex, particularly for those who have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past three years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice if unsure about their status.

Apply Now

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to explore how climate change affects human behaviour and health, while contributing to actionable solutions for communities most at risk. Studentship awards will be made based on merit.