Exploring the influence of access to nature to diversify participation in Earth and environmental sciences and improve health and well-being for minoritized citizens The Open University in United Kingdom

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at The Open University, supported by CENTA (Central England NERC Training Alliance), for Autumn 2026 entry. The project focuses on exploring how access to nature can diversify participation in Earth and environmental sciences and improve health and well-being for minoritized citizens. The research will build on previous work mapping relevant constituencies and will use mixed methods, including systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews, and co-development of new approaches with community leaders, ecologists, and environmental scientists.

The project aims to make the UK countryside more inclusive and accessible. Funding includes an annual stipend, home-level tuition fees, and a Research Training Support Grant for research costs, training, and conference attendance. Supervisors for the project are M M Hassan, Yoseph N. Araya, Dr Anjana Khatwa, and Marcus Badger.

Applicants should have a background in Earth or environmental sciences and an interest in diversity and inclusion. The application deadline is December 28, 2026. For more details and to apply, visit the CENTA project page.