What works: Translating research and policy evidence into effective climate-resilient behaviour change

The University of Bath is offering a funded three-year PhD project starting September 2026, focusing on translating climate research into effective behaviour change. The project will examine how evidence is used in policy-making, involving primary research through interviews and documentary analysis. Candidates should have a relevant degree, and the role includes professional development opportunities. The position is located in the United Kingdom and is not remote.
The University of Bath and the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) are inviting applications for a funded three-year PhD project commencing September 2026.

PhD topic

This PhD will investigate how evidence on climate resilient, low-carbon behaviour change is generated, interpreted and used (or not used) in policy and governance. The project will critically review existing research and policy evidence on behavioural interventions, with a focus on understanding what kinds of knowledge are seen as credible and useful by decision-makers, and where important gaps or blind spots remain. The student will conduct primary research through policy documentary analysis and interviews with policy-makers, advisors and other key stakeholders, and there may be scope to arrange a short policy placement as part of the project. The PhD will suit a candidate interested in science-policy interfaces, evidence use, and environmental governance, and will provide a strong empirical and theoretical foundation that can inform CAST’s broader impact-oriented toolkit work.‑policy interfaces, evidence use, and environmental governance, and will provide a strong empirical and theoretical foundation that can inform CAST’s broader impact‑oriented toolkit work.

Skills, data and methods

You will develop skills in applied, interdisciplinary social research, including qualitative methods (elite interviewing, documentary analysis, etc.) and potentially quantitative methods (e.g. surveys) working closely with academic and non-academic partners.

Training and development

You will have access to a varied professional development programme at the University of Bath to support your research and future career. In addition, CAST has a dedicated Early Career Researcher network and provides access to conference, travel and some project expenses funding.

Project keywords:

Behavioural science; policy interface; climate change; environmental governance; evidence based policy.

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, sociology, geography, politics or other relevant social sciences). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement by the application deadline.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Prof Whitmarsh - lw2253@bath.ac.uk.

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Psychology prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:
• In the Funding your studies section, select ‘Other‘ as the studentship for which you are applying, specifying ‘CAST’ in the space below.
• In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.
• Ensure that you upload to your application (in addition to the required academic documents): a personal statement (no more than 2 pages) explaining your motivation, skills, experiences related to the research area and your career plan.

Failure to complete these steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.