Publisher
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Cranfield University

Just Landed

PhD in Energy Flexibility, Energy Policy and Social Inequalities at Cranfield University Cranfield University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Successful SENSS studentships, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free living-cost stipend. Funding is subject to Home fee-status eligibility and a successful competitive application. A SENSS award may also provide research training, doctoral-network access, a three-month placement, conference participation and UK or overseas fieldwork, depending on the proposal and agreed funding.

Deadline

Dec 2, 2026

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

Cranfield University

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Sociology
Political Science
Energy Policy
Social Inequality
Energy Economics
Energy Transition
Economics

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About this position

PhD opportunity in Energy Flexibility and Social Inequalities at Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

This project explores how energy flexibility—changing when electricity is used, generated or stored—can support a fairer net-zero transition. The research will examine who benefits from decentralised energy systems, who faces exclusion and how flexibility benefits can be distributed more inclusively.

Applicants will develop their own research proposal with Dr Pegah Mirzania. Possible themes include flexibility poverty, community energy, local energy sharing, energy-credit allocation, household outcomes, energy policy and comparisons between the UK and EU countries. Research may combine comparative policy analysis with modelling of household outcomes and can be shaped around the applicant’s interests and available data.

The project links social science with energy systems research and offers engagement with academic, industry and community partners. Potential outputs include policy comparisons, assessments of household outcomes and recommendations for a just energy transition. Students may gain training, doctoral-network access, a three-month placement, conference opportunities and fieldwork support, subject to the agreed funding.

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. Suitable backgrounds include engineering, renewable energy, energy economics and social sciences. An understanding of energy systems and policy, together with an interest in energy flexibility and social inequalities, is desirable.

Funding will be pursued through the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) student-led competition, funded by ESRC. Successful studentships cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free living-cost stipend. Applicants must generally have Home fee status and must succeed in the competitive funding process.

The application deadline is 2 December 2026, with the programme scheduled to start on 27 September 2027. To begin, email Dr Pegah Mirzania a 300-word abstract outlining the proposed research and approach, then submit an application through Cranfield University.

Funding details

Successful SENSS studentships, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free living-cost stipend. Funding is subject to Home fee-status eligibility and a successful competitive application. A SENSS award may also provide research training, doctoral-network access, a three-month placement, conference participation and UK or overseas fieldwork, depending on the proposal and agreed funding.

What's required

Applicants should hold a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. Relevant backgrounds include engineering, renewable energy, energy economics or social sciences, with an understanding of energy systems and policy and an interest in energy flexibility and social inequalities. Funding eligibility requires Home fee status under UK Department for Education rules; UK or Irish nationals ordinarily resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland generally qualify for Home status, while other applicants generally pay Overseas fees. Applicants should contact Dr Pegah Mirzania with a 300-word abstract outlining their proposed research and approach.

How to apply

Contact Dr Pegah Mirzania at [email protected] to discuss the project and develop a proposal. Send a 300-word abstract describing the proposed research and approach under her supervision, then apply through Cranfield University’s PhD opportunity page before 2 December 2026.

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