Helen Kopnina

Northumbria University is advertising a PhD studentship in fair trade research based in Newcastle Business School, in collaboration with the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) in Brussels. The project uses strategic action research to examine the future of the fair trade movement, including questions of ethical markets , social movements , alternative economic systems , market mainstreaming, regulatory capture, and sustainability transition. The work is closely linked to policy and advocacy, with engagement across EU institutions and the Fair Trade movement. Supervision is by Dr Michael Price and Dr Helen Kopnina . The successful candidate will integrate with the FTAO team and contribute, where compatible with the PhD programme, to strategic objectives and policy work. Eligibility: UK and EU nationals only. Applicants should have a strong academic profile: a 2:1 or equivalent (preferably first-class honours), or a Masters degree (preferably Merit or above), or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement. A suitable IELTS score is required if applicable. Candidates must not already hold a PhD or be enrolled in doctoral study elsewhere. Funding: minimum annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for full-time PhD students, with annual increases determined by UKRI. Location: the student may be based in the UK, Brussels, or possibly elsewhere, with supervision taking place in person and online in both Brussels and Newcastle upon Tyne. Deadline: applications close on 30 June 2026. Interested candidates should read the full project page and apply via the linked application portal.