The Role of Cities in Decarbonised Biobased Food Systems

The University of Reading is seeking a PhD candidate for a research project on the role of cities in decarbonised biobased food systems. The project aims to explore GHG emissions in food systems, sustainable production practices, and urban food growing's impact on sustainability. Candidates should possess quantitative analysis skills and a background in food systems research. The position is based at the university's campus in the UK.
As the world transitions to low carbon systems across all sectors, dramatic changes will be required across our society to reach our net zero targets. The food system, which is currently estimated to be responsible for 20-30% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is one where particular urgency is required. Mohareb et al (2018) found that urban areas have strong influence over the majority of emissions in an industrialised food system. For example, decisions affecting the carbon-intensity of electricity generation can have a substantial impact food system carbon-intensity, given how ubiquitous electricity demand is throughout the supply chain and points of consumption. Further, production practices can be contrasted for their carbon benefits; for example, more labour-intensive agroecological approaches must be compared with more capital intensive precision agriculture. Further, there is limited knowledge on how more sustainable food production systems might be integrated into our current urban systems, and how access to these might be improved.

This research project incorporates topics that explore the quantification of food system GHG emissions from both a producer's and consumer's perspective, towards understanding biobased food system configurations that enable triple bottom line sustainability in delivering high-quality nutrition to consumers. Topics to be explored include GHG mitigation from food manufacturers across scales (e.g., SME to multinational), the role of urban food growing (including peri-urban agroecological approaches, such as forest gardens, agroforestry, silvopastoral systems) in improving food system sustainability performance, as well as topics examining the life cycle implications of dietary choices. Co-benefits are of particular interest, including biodiversity gains, soil regeneration, and improved access to greenspace. Frameworks to be used include life cycle sustainability analysis (i.e. integrating environmental LCA, social LCA, and life cycle costing) and material flow analysis. Fundamentally, this project seeks to explore the sustainability implications of radical reconfigurations of the food system.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

· Applicants should have quantitative analysis skills, experience on food systems-related research/degree as well as sustainability topics or a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in a related discipline.

· International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering via our online application system.

Further information:

Construction Management and Engineering PhD webpage

Enquiries:

Dr Eugene Mohareb e-mail : e.mohareb@reading.ac.uk