ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: Recognition of Walking to Support Climate Change Goals

University of Birmingham and Walk21 Foundation 

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent. 

The University of Birminghamas part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner the Walk21 Foundation to commence in October 2024.

Walking is a sustainable transport mode with an important role to play in reducing transport’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. However, walking is rarely captured in government statistics and is often overlooked and under-valued in planning and policy development, particularly in relation to climate change. There is therefore an important need to understand the dynamics underpinning recognition of walking as a policy priority if we are to ensure a holistic approach to tackling this global challenge. 

This exciting collaborative project will support Walk21 (a leading, international advocacy organisation) to understand the relationships between national and local government recognition of walking as a policy priority and the implications for policy delivery. In turn, helping Walk21 to identify opportunities to target their resources and capacity towards policy change and to help support countries in delivery of their net-zero commitments. 

To date there has been very limited critical analysis of governance and public policy processes within transport studies and especially in relation to walking. This project aims to address this through bringing multilevel governance theorising into greater dialogue with theorising on processes of agenda-setting. With the support of their supervisors, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the project (including research design and case study selection) in line with their own interests, skills, and experience. The project will also be developed in close collaboration with Walk21 to ensure the research supports their needs.  

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about translating research into practice, develop skills in communicating to different audiences, and build their networks across academia and practice. They will also make theoretical and empirical contributions to knowledge at the nexus of governance and transport studies, helping them to develop interdisciplinary insights and skills important for their career development.   

The project will be supervised by Dr Louise Reardon and Dr Danielle Beswick, at the School of Government, University of Birmingham.

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please click 'Apply’ button above to be redirected to our website, where you can download an application pack for the Collaborative Studentship application form.

Please also upload an anonymised CV and one-page cover letter as part of the online application process. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to provide transcripts and two references.

Interviews will be held on 14 March 2024 for shortlisted candidates.  

Application deadline:23 February 2024

Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/ .

Informal enquiries about the research or School of Government prior to application can be directed to Dr Louise Reardon via email: [email protected] .