Urban blue networks, including rivers, canals and wetlands, are dynamic systems that shape how cities respond to environmental stress and how people connect with nature. Their configuration, connectivity and interaction with surrounding land cover determine the extent to which they buffer heat, dilute pollution, support biodiversity and deliver social value. Yet these trade-offs remain poorly quantified in complex urban landscapes.
This PhD will investigate how urban blue networks can be optimised for both ecological resilience and community wellbeing. You will quantify how spatial patterns, network structure and environmental context influence the capacity of blue spaces to provide co-benefits such as biodiversity support, cooling, air quality regulation and access to nature. By integrating Earth observation, spatial AI, machine learning and socio-environmental datasets, the project will reveal where blue networks perform well across UK towns and cities, where benefits are unevenly distributed, and how design or management interventions could enhance resilience and equity.
A key component of the research will be developing advanced spatial models such as graph-based approaches and network analytics to predict how blue network dynamics, fragmentation and surrounding land use interact to shape ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing outcomes. These insights will directly inform future nature-positive urban design.
If you are passionate about ecological systems, urban sustainability or applying advanced quantitative methods to real-world environmental challenges, we would love to hear from you!
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit someone with interests in ecology, environmental science, urban sustainability, geospatial analysis, or quantitative modelling. Experience in all areas is not required as training will be provided. We particularly welcome applicants who are excited about integrating ecological understanding with data-driven methods. There is flexibility to tailor the research to your strengths and interests (e.g. geospatial data science or socio-environmental modelling).
Funding
Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£20,780; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Alice Johnston
Email: A.S.Johnston@cranfield.ac.uk
