Waters rising again: The loss and reconnection of floodplains PhD

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, 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. 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, a forward-looking element to the research is encouraged, placing 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.

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). 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 existing strengths can be complemented with targeted training. A willingness to undertake fieldwork and a full driving licence to facilitate it is desirable.

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 and must be under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of the Cranfield Doctoral Network, which brings together research students and staff to share ideas, identify collaboration opportunities and create communities of practice. Students are also expected to attend the Doctoral Researchers' Core Development (DRCD) Programme, comprising four one-week units covering key stages of the research journey.