PhD Studentship: Quantifying Sand Mining Impacts on River Channel Morphology and Flood Hazard Loughborough University in United Kingdom

[UKRI FLOOD-CDT studentship for 3.5 years; tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at UK rate. International candidates may receive additional funding to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees, subject to UKRI rules (max 30% international studentships).] This PhD studentship at Loughborough University investigates the global impacts of sand mining on river channel morphology and flood hazard, a critical issue as sand is the world’s most extracted resource after water. The project aims to quantify how sand mining alters river channels, sediment transport, and flood risk, providing evidence to inform sustainable river management and climate resilience strategies. Supervised by Professor Dan Parsons, Professor Dapeng Yu, Dr Quan Le (Loughborough), and Dr Chris Hackney (Newcastle), the research is embedded within the FLOOD-CDT and benefits from collaboration with Newcastle University, Previsico, and international partners. The successful candidate will employ satellite remote sensing (PlanetScope, Sentinel-1), advanced numerical modelling (HEC-RAS, Delft-FM), and targeted field surveys to map mining intensity, simulate channel adjustment, and assess changing flood hazards under diverse environmental and socio-economic scenarios. The project offers training in geospatial analysis, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, machine learning-assisted detection, and hydro-geomorphological field methods, preparing the student for impactful careers in policy, infrastructure risk assessment, and community resilience. Applicants should have strong quantitative skills and a keen interest in rivers, hazards, and sustainability; training in GIS, coding, and modelling will be provided. Entry requirements include a very good undergraduate or master’s degree (at least UK 2:1 honours or equivalent), and for EU/overseas applicants, an IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each competency). The studentship is funded by UKRI through FLOOD-CDT for 3.5 years, offering a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus UK tuition fees. International candidates may receive additional funding to cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees, subject to UKRI rules. Applications are assessed on motivation, intellectual excellence, project suitability, and fit to FLOOD-CDT. Applicants must submit a statement of research interests, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and English language certificates if applicable. Early contact with supervisors is encouraged for project discussion.