Dear all

 

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD on "Re-Framing Environmental Impact Analysis for Power Infrastructure using GIS" at the University of Manchester. The PhD is funded for September 2017 entry and available for candidates from the UK or EU. EU citizens are eligible if the applicant has been continuously resident in the UK for at least the last 3 years. Funding covers university fees and a stipend of £17,500 pa for UK and qualifying EU nationals.

The PhD is offered as part of the multi-disciplinary ESPRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Power Networks (http://www.power-networks-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/) and is in the form a four year (1+3) programme. The successful candidate will complete a compulsory 1 year Masters-level training year followed by 3 years of a PhD research programme (http://www.power-networks-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/programme/programme-structure/).  The PhD part of the programme is based in Geography, School of Environment Education and Development. 

 

This opportunity is suitable for students coming directly from an UG degree or from a Masters. The CDT Masters programme is flexible and allows students to gain experience from a range of subjects relevant to their PhD topic. Candidates would ideally have a background in Geographical Information Science, though candidates with backgrounds in related fields such as Geography and Computer Science are also welcomed. Those with work experience in related fields (power network development, planning etc.) are particularly encouraged, though this is not essential.

 

Formal applications should be made through the CDT portal http://www.power-networks-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/programme/projects-apply/. The research proposal element should be a short 2-3 page (1,000-1,500 word) interpretation of the project brief below. Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr Jonny Huck ([log in to unmask]).

 

The deadline for applications for this specific opportunity is Wednesday August 9th 2017, no applications or enquiries will be accepted for this project after this date. We expect to hold brief interviews in person or via skype on Thursday 17th August or Friday 18th August so please indicate availability for these dates in the application.

 

Please do not email CVs directly as we cannot use these as formal applications.

  

---Project outline----

In order to meet our ever increasing demand for energy, it is necessary to create new power network infrastructure (pylons, substations, generators, etc.). Siting new infrastructure is frequently a source of concern for members of the public, who predict negative impacts upon themselves, the environment, or both. Though public opinion is gaining increasing recognition as a valuable source of information for decision makers, the methods by which those opinions can be collected are often quite rudimentary and poorly suited to the representation of complex spatial thoughts and feelings. This reduces the potential impact that the public can have upon decisions relating to the design of power network installations and often limits input only to the very early stages of the planning process. The result of this is that levels of public dissatisfaction with power network installations are often high, whilst planners are missing out on opportunities to engage the public in the decision making process, and so produce solutions with greater public acceptability.

This PhD research seeks to develop novel methods of spatial data collection to promote better public engagement in decision-making around power network infrastructure siting. For example, such developments could include the creation of novel participatory mapping (PPGIS) interfaces for data collection from the public, the deployment of small, low cost sensors to the public enabling them to make informed decisions about environmental impacts (e.g. noise), or the development of systems enabling the crowdsourcing of decisions (e.g. cable routing). The PhD would also need to consider how public opinion might be effectively balanced against other planning considerations such as cost and the protection of sites of natural and cultural heritage, and how the public may be empowered to understand these considerations in order to make informed choices.

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Best wishes

 

Sarah

 

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Sarah Lindley

Professor of Geography, School of Environment, Education & Development

1.054, Arthur Lewis Building, University of Manchester

Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

T: +44 (0) 161 275 8685

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