Dilanthi Amaratunga

This PhD project at Loughborough University addresses the urgent need for robust Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) following recent devastating coastal floods in South Asia. The research focuses on the technical, legal, and socio-cultural complexities involved in communicating multi-hazard early warnings to jurisdictional agencies and response partners. The project aims to investigate the governance arrangements at the critical interface between upstream hazard detection and downstream emergency response, a 'black box' of agency and jurisdictional complexity. By bridging the gap between regional information providers and sub-national operational centers, the project seeks to enhance long-term disaster resilience and improve the sustainability of MHEWS. Supervised by Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga and Dr. John Hillier, the research is part of the Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk and Resilience (i-Risk) NERC Doctoral Focal Awards (DFA) in Environmental Sciences. The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering provides a multidisciplinary environment, combining civil engineering, climate science, and policy studies. The project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in disaster risk reduction, informatics, and governance. Funding is available through a UKRI studentship for 3.5 years, offering a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Outstanding international candidates may be eligible for a full international fee waiver, though no more than 30% of studentships can be awarded to international applicants due to UKRI rules. No bench fees are required. Applicants must hold, or expect to soon graduate with, a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least UK 2:1 honours or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. EU and international applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. Minimum English language requirements apply, and further details are available on the university website. Candidates must submit a two-page personal statement (one page on research interests and rationale, one page answering four specific questions), a CV, academic transcripts and certificates (translated if not in English), and an IELTS/TOEFL certificate if applicable. Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 29 June 2026. Applications should be made online via the Loughborough University portal. Select ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering’ as the programme name and quote the advert reference IRISK-26-LU-02. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisors by email to discuss project-specific aspects before submitting their application. For general queries, contact [email protected] or [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 9 June 2026, with the project expected to start in October 2026. Both UK and international candidates are eligible to apply. This opportunity is ideal for those interested in civil engineering, climate science, disaster risk governance, and the interface between hazard detection and emergency response.

This PhD project, titled "Beyond wind! Where and why flooding and landslides amplify Tropical Cyclone risk (Ref: IRISK-26-LU-03)", offers a unique opportunity to investigate the complex interplay of multiple hazards associated with tropical cyclones. While extreme winds are often the focus, this research aims to systematically explore how flooding and landslides co-occur with wind events, potentially amplifying risk and losses. The project will leverage satellite data and advanced AI tools to build the first global, systematic record of tropical cyclone hazards, including wind, flooding, and landslides. By analyzing where and why these hazards overlap and how climate patterns influence their occurrence, the research will provide critical insights for insurers and contribute to improved early warning systems. The successful candidate will undertake a case study approach to understand how combined hazards amplify losses, with placements planned at the British Geological Survey and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (USA). The project is part of the Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk and Resilience (i-Risk) NERC Doctoral Focal Awards (DFA) in Environmental Sciences, and is based in the Department of Geography at Loughborough University. The research areas span civil engineering, climate science, environmental science, informatics, and disaster risk reduction. Funding is provided through a UKRI studentship for 3.5 years, including a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum and tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent international candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver, though no more than 30% of studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates. No bench fees are required. The position is available full-time (3.5 years) or part-time (7 years), and both UK and international applicants are welcome. Applicants must have, or expect to soon graduate with, a very good undergraduate or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject. EU and overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. Minimum English language requirements must be met, and further details are available on the Loughborough University International website. During the application process, candidates must upload a two-page personal statement (split into research interests and responses to specific questions), a CV, academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English), and an IELTS/TOEFL certificate if applicable. Applications should be made online via the Loughborough University portal. Under programme name, select School of Social Science and Humanities and quote the advert reference IRISK-26-LU-03. Please familiarise yourself with the i-Risk programme before applying. You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors by email to discuss project-specific aspects prior to submitting your application. For general questions, contact [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 9th June 2026, with the project start date in October 2026. Keywords: tropical cyclones, multi-hazard risk, flooding, landslides, wind hazards, satellite data, AI tools, climate patterns, disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, insurance risk, civil engineering, climate science, environmental science, informatics.