Chris Hackney

This PhD project at Loughborough University, in collaboration with Newcastle University and the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT), investigates the global impacts of sand mining on river channel morphology and flood hazard. Sand is the world’s most extracted resource after water, and its intensive mining is reshaping major rivers and deltas, affecting sediment transport and increasing flood risk. The successful candidate will quantify these changes using a combination of satellite remote sensing (PlanetScope, Sentinel-1), advanced numerical modelling (HEC-RAS, Delft-FM), and targeted field surveys. The research aims to map mining intensity, simulate channel adjustment, and assess evolving flood hazards under diverse environmental and socio-economic scenarios. The project is highly interdisciplinary, offering training in geospatial analysis, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, machine learning-assisted detection, and hydro-geomorphological field methods. Collaboration with Previsico and international partners ensures the research is embedded in real-world applications, with direct relevance to policy, infrastructure risk, and community resilience in vulnerable deltas. Applicants should have a strong quantitative background and a keen interest in rivers, hazards, and sustainability. Training in GIS, coding, and modelling will be provided. The studentship is funded by UKRI through FLOOD-CDT, offering a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for 3.5 years plus UK tuition fees. International candidates are eligible, with the university covering the difference between UK and international tuition fees for successful applicants. The project is open to both UK and international students, with full-time (3.5 years) and part-time (7 years) options available. Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a very good undergraduate or master’s degree (at least UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject, and EU/overseas applicants must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with a start date in October 2026. To apply, candidates should submit an online application via Loughborough University, selecting ‘School of Social Sciences and Humanities’ and quoting reference ‘FCDT-26-LU2’. Required documents include a one-page statement of research interests, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and IELTS/TOEFL certificate if applicable. Applicants are encouraged to contact supervisors for project-specific queries prior to applying. For general questions, contact [email protected].

[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.