This funded PhD studentship is an exciting opportunity to conduct new interdisciplinary research on floodplains. It will combine approaches from the natural and social sciences to investigate the factors that influence the loss and, more recently, reconnection of floodplains. The research findings will inform new policy and best practice for nature-based solutions and the ecological restoration of rivers and floodplains. The studentship covers fees and stipend for a home (UK) student to study a PhD with funding provided by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme.
Floodplains are naturally dynamic components of river systems that support diverse and productive ecological communities. However, human activities have caused many floodplains to become partially or completely disconnected from their rivers, resulting in numerous impacts to nature and society. Though, waters are beginning to rise again. Floodplains are being reconnected through initiatives like ecological restoration and nature-based solutions for flooding.
In this study, a PhD researcher will investigate the factors that influence the loss and, more recently, reconnection of floodplains. The project aims to determine how social, economic, political and environmental factors interact to drive hydrological, topographic and ecological changes that influence floodplain inundation frequency and extent.
The PhD researcher will have considerable flexibility in the design and implementation of the project, adjusting the focus based on their interests and the latest research findings. For example, the project could take a historical perspective and combine archival information (e.g. maps, documents, artwork) and environmental analyses (e.g. hydrological, GIS). Alternatively, the researcher could apply a theoretical framework appropriate for the social-hydro-ecological system and employ social science approaches and qualitative methods (e.g. interviews). In either case, we would encourage a forward-looking element to the research that places the new knowledge in the context of changing domestic and/or international policy.
The research project will likely involve fieldwork within the UK, and potentially internationally, to conduct surveys, interviews and/or questionnaires. There is the potential to collect new environmental data (e.g. water levels, vegetation cover), if the applicant is interested.
The PhD researcher will join a dynamic group of interdisciplinary researchers in the Cranfield Water Science Institute and the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which focuses on human-environment interactions in freshwater systems. They will benefit from a lively and supportive community that meets regularly through a variety of formal and informal events (e.g. fieldtrips, seminars, communities of practice meetings, reading groups). The knowledge, skills and experiences gained in this project will support careers in academia, environmental consultancy or environmental governance and management.
If you are passionate about the natural environment and want to support positive ecological change through research, please get in touch.
At a glance
- Application deadline04 Nov 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date25 Jan 2027
- Duration of award4 year (full-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0111
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The project would be ideal for a geographer, environmental scientist or social scientist interested in how humans perceive, interact and influence the natural environment. The successful applicant should be interested in conducting new interdisciplinary research on river-floodplain systems that draws on theoretical, quantitative and/or qualitative approaches. Ideally, they will have knowledge of river processes (hydrological, geomorphic and/or ecological). However, we welcome applicants from a range of disciplines and experiences, who have a passion for environmental research and strong written and oral communication skills, as we can complete existing strengths with targeted training. A willingness to undertake fieldwork and a full driving licence to facilitate it is desirable.
Funding
Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£21,805; 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.
Leverhulme Trust Programme funding
The Connected Waters Doctoral Programme is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The Doctoral scholarship provides funding for fees, bursary and research/training expenses for up to 4 years, starting by January 2027 at Cranfield University.
Eligibility requirements for Doctoral Scholarships
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
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.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.
Our Student Wellbeing and Disability support team provide a range of support and coordinate reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental and physical health conditions. Please contact studentsupport@cranfield.ac.uk for support queries, the information you provide will be confidential.
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, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.
Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme
An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Robert Grabowski
Email: r.c.grabowski@cranfield.ac.uk
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.
