PhD: Development of a Risk and Resilience Framework for Health Infrastructure under Multi-Hazard Scenarios in Seismic-Prone Areas Kingston University in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity at Kingston University focuses on developing a comprehensive risk and resilience framework for health infrastructure in seismic-prone regions facing multi-hazard scenarios. As natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, and climate-related stresses increase in frequency and intensity, the resilience of hospitals and health facilities becomes critical for effective emergency response and public health protection. Traditional risk assessments often consider only single hazards, but this project aims to address the complex interactions and cascading effects of multiple hazards that can compromise health infrastructure functionality.

The research will identify and classify multi-hazard scenarios relevant to seismic-prone areas, including co-occurring and cascading events like earthquake-triggered landslides and floods. It will assess the physical, functional, and operational vulnerabilities of health infrastructure using interdisciplinary approaches from structural engineering, operational systems, and disaster risk management. A key outcome will be the development of a resilience metric framework that integrates technical, social, and organizational indicators, capturing both pre-disaster preparedness and post-disaster recovery capacities.

Methodologically, the project will employ probabilistic risk modelling, resilience quantification, and scenario-based simulation. Case studies from seismic hotspots such as Nepal, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Turkey may be used to validate and calibrate the framework. Advanced techniques like GIS-based spatial analysis and machine learning will help identify hazard exposure patterns and critical system interdependencies. The final deliverable will be a decision-support tool for stakeholders and policymakers to evaluate resilience and prioritize interventions based on risk-informed investment planning.

This research is particularly relevant to low- and middle-income countries where health systems are under significant stress. It aligns with global initiatives such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 11), and WHO’s health emergency preparedness strategies. The project offers opportunities for collaboration with academic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations, as well as fieldwork and stakeholder engagement.

Applicants should have a background in civil or structural engineering, disaster risk management, or a related field. Experience in programming, GIS, or system modelling is advantageous. The position is funded through the Kingston University Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry. For application details, refer to the university’s PhD Studentships and Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment webpages. The deadline for applications is March 4, 2026.