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

PhD Opportunity: Innovation, Geopolitics and the Future of Europe in Space at the Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space (LCHS), University of Leicester.

This fully funded doctoral project sits at the intersection of business, economics, political science, international relations, innovation studies, and space policy. It examines how innovation ecosystems, industrial strategies, public procurement, venture capital, AI-enabled systems, dual-use technologies, and geopolitical competition are reshaping Europe’s role in the global space sector.

The project is based at Space Park Leicester and is co-supervised by Dr Raúl González Muñoz and Dr Boyka Simeonova. It is designed for applicants interested in the future of the European space economy, strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and the relationship between commercial actors, governments, and defence institutions.

Applicants may come from a broad range of backgrounds including business, economics, innovation studies, political science, international relations, public policy, engineering, geography, and related disciplines. The project allows flexibility in methods, including qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches such as case studies, interviews, policy analysis, network analysis, market studies, or data-driven methods.

Funding includes 4 years of full tuition fees and a UKRI-rate stipend for 4 years; the 2026/27 stipend is £21,805 per year. UK and international applicants can apply.

Deadline: 22 June 2026. Start date: September 2026.

To apply, complete the Research Proposal form and submit the application via the University of Leicester portal, including your CV, personal statement, transcripts, degree certificates, English language evidence if needed, and details of two academic referees.