[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Full studentship for home and international applicants.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University, sponsored by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), focuses on developing adaptive strategies for sustainable water resources and flood risk management in the face of future uncertainty. England’s hydrological system is increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced extremes, with recent years marked by both severe flooding and drought.

The project aims to address the underutilised potential of floodwater reuse within Strategic Resource Options (SROs) being developed by water companies, which currently overlook the dual benefits of floodwater as both a hazard and a resource. Through a holistic approach, the research will explore how SROs can be optimised to reduce flood risk and enhance water security, transforming floodwater from a threat into a valuable resource.

The project will deliver catchment-wide, nature-based solutions that align with the Environment Agency’s EA2030 goals, contributing to national resilience, environmental recovery, and sustainable water management. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment and benefit from full tuition coverage, a generous tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/26 UKRI rate), and additional project costs.

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as computing, mathematics, engineering, or related fields. Strong analytical, independent research, and communication skills are essential. Both home and international applicants are eligible, with full studentship support available. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need ATAS clearance.

The studentship will commence on 1st October 2026 and run for 3.5 years. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend the prospective applicant webinar and review the application details at the provided link. For further queries, contact Dr Caspar Hewett at [email protected].