Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Innovation, Geopolitics and the Future of Europe in Space University of Leicester in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Leicester in Innovation, Geopolitics and the Future of Europe in Space, hosted by the School of Business and linked to the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space at Space Park Leicester.

This interdisciplinary project examines how the global space sector is changing through innovation ecosystems, AI-enabled systems, dual-use technologies, private investment, industrial strategy, and geopolitical competition. The research focuses on the future of the European space economy and asks how Europe can strengthen competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and technological sovereignty in a multipolar world.

Relevant study fields and keywords: space economy, innovation studies, geopolitics, European space policy, strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, public procurement, venture capital, industrial competitiveness, business models, public policy, international relations, political science, economics, geography, and related disciplines.

Supervisors: Dr Raúl González Muñoz and Dr Boyka Simeonova, University of Leicester. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Raúl González Muñoz to discuss possible projects.

Funding: fully funded for 4 years, including full tuition fees (UK or overseas as required) and a UKRI-rate stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, paid monthly.

Eligibility: applicants need a UK 2:1 bachelor’s degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject, plus a master’s degree. The University of Leicester English language requirements apply. The project welcomes candidates from business, economics, innovation studies, political science, international relations, public policy, engineering, geography, and related disciplines, using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.

Application window: deadline 22 June 2026; start date 21 September 2026. Apply via the University of Leicester research degrees portal, select September 2026, and upload the required proposal form and supporting documents.