PhD in Citizen Science Across Domains: Participation, Knowledge Exchange and Policy Impact for Freshwater, Biodiversity and Tree Health University of Gloucestershire in United Kingdom

The Countryside & Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire, in collaboration with UKCEH, invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship through the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) ESRC DTP, starting October 2026. This collaborative studentship is situated within the Environment and Planning Pathway and focuses on the project: Citizen Science Across Domains: Participation, Knowledge Exchange and Policy Impact for Freshwater, Biodiversity and Tree Health.

This doctoral research opportunity explores the evolving role of citizen science in supporting environmental recording, monitoring, and public engagement. The project will examine and compare the dynamics of citizen science across three domains—freshwater, biodiversity, and tree health—each with distinct institutional and policy contexts. By analyzing these domains side by side, the research aims to deepen understanding of how citizen science functions in different settings and what lessons can be transferred between them.

Key research questions include how participation is shaped, how knowledge is produced, and how policymakers, regulators, and practitioners interpret and use citizen-generated data. The project will also address participant motivations, experiences, legitimacy, expertise, and the impact of citizen science, as well as the balance between inclusive participation and data quality for policy and decision-making.

The PhD is expected to be primarily qualitative, employing in-depth, place-based case studies using interviews, focus groups, workshops, desk-based study, and participant observation. There is scope for incorporating novel participatory methods, ethnography, surveys, or other approaches. The student will be encouraged to develop innovative techniques for comparing citizen science across domains, particularly regarding participation, data credibility, and pathways to impact.

The supervisory team, with established engagement in citizen science initiatives, will facilitate access to case studies and support the student in identifying additional projects aligned with their interests. The project is collaborative, involving interdisciplinary supervision and engagement with partners from policy, industry, and the third sector, including Defra, Natural Resource Wales, Southern Water, Rivers Trust, and WWBIC. Opportunities for direct stakeholder engagement and a potential placement with a partner organization are available.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, including social science, citizen science, rural studies, environmental management, and human geography. The studentship is open to both home and international students (up to 30% of the cohort may be international), with no additional fee for international students. WGSSS is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The ESRC-funded studentship covers full tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (£20,780 for 2025-26 full-time), and a Research Training Support Grant. Both full-time and part-time applications are welcome. All WGSSS-funded students must complete a funded Research in Practice placement (3 months full-time or part-time equivalent).

Entry requirements include a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level, or a master's degree, with consideration for non-traditional academic backgrounds. Proof of English language competency may be required. The application deadline is 1 May 2026. Applications must include the WGSSS application form, academic CV, two references, degree certificates and transcripts, and proof of English language competency if relevant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information, contact Dr Charlotte-Anne Chivers at [email protected]. Application materials should be submitted to Chris Rayfield ([email protected]) with the subject ‘2022-072-03 Application’.