PhD Studentship: Harnessing Floodwaters – Adaptive Strategies for Sustainable Water Resources and Flood Risk Management under Future Uncertainty (NERC Resilient Flood Futures, FLOOD-CDT) Newcastle University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University, supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) through the Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT) programme, focuses on developing adaptive strategies for sustainable water resources and flood risk management under future uncertainty. England’s hydrological system is increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes, with recent years marked by both severe flooding and drought. The project aims to address the opportunities for floodwater utilisation, particularly in the context of Strategic Resource Options (SROs) being developed by water companies, which often overlook the potential for floodwater reuse.

The research will adopt a holistic approach to understanding and managing evolving flood and water supply risks, considering multiple interacting aspects of the water system. The goal is to optimise SROs to deliver dual benefits: reducing flood risk and enhancing water security, effectively transforming flood hazard into a valuable resource.

The project will deliver catchment-wide, nature-based solutions that align with the Environment Agency’s EA2030 goals, contributing to national resilience, environmental recovery, and sustainable water management. The studentship covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a minimum annual tax-free living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs also supported. Applicants from both the UK and overseas (including EU) are eligible and will receive a full studentship if successful. Entry requirements include a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject (such as computing, mathematics, engineering), strong analytical and communication skills, and enthusiasm for independent research.

Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills), and international applicants may need ATAS clearance. The project is supervised by Dr Caspar Hewett in the School of Engineering. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend a prospective applicant webinar and apply via the Newcastle University portal, following the detailed instructions provided in the advert. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, and the studentship will commence on October 1, 2026.

References supporting the research context include recent climate change risk assessments and strategic analyses of drought resilience in UK water supply systems.