New funding supports climate PhD researchers
UK Research and Innovation funds the collaborative, multidisciplinary UNRISK Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) to tackle the uncertainty of the impacts of climate change.
UNRISK: understanding uncertainty to reduce climate risks will train postgraduate researchers (PGRs) with knowledge and skills across climate science, data science and industry to identify and reduce the risks of rapid climate change.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) will invest £2.8 million in the training programme, with £1.6 million invested in-kind by partners and collaborators.
The CDT is a collaboration between the University of Leeds, University of Exeter and University College London (UCL).
Climate uncertainty and risk
As the climate crisis accelerates, our limited ability to predict how it will affect extreme weather, sea levels and agricultural systems creates challenges for decision-makers.
This uncertainty delays crucial policy actions and causes economic difficulties.
Focusing on uncertainty and risk is essential to support communities and regions most affected by climate change and its impacts.
Professor Ken Carslaw, director of UNRISK CDT says: “By focusing on scientific, technological, and societal aspects of climate risk, UNRISK will equip the next generation of researchers with the tools to provide actionable insights for climate adaptation and mitigation.”
Knowledge and experience through partnerships
The impacts of climate change are varied, so the programme will give candidates opportunities to gain knowledge from a range of disciplines and partners.
They’ll study topics from sustainability, extreme weather and ice loss, to sea level rise, food security and tipping points.
They’ll have opportunities to work with partner organisations from weather forecasters to public bodies and charities, which each play roles in mitigating climate change and protecting communities from its impacts.
The programme will provide the skills and opportunities for candidates to continue their careers in research and practical roles that support risk identification and mitigation across the world.
Professor Carslaw says: “Our CDT is truly interdisciplinary, bringing together three faculties in Leeds and eight other departments at UCL and Exeter with expertise on climate science, data science and decisions.
“Students graduating from UNRISK will have the skills required by the rapidly expanding climate services sector.”
