Richard Dawson

[£25,726 tax-free annual living allowance, research training support grant of £20,000, and 100% fees paid. Funded by EPSRC, Anglian Water, and Northumbrian Water Group.] PhD Studentship: Development of a Robust Hydrological Modelling Framework for Drought Risk Assessments at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to address critical water security challenges in England. This fully funded studentship provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £25,726, a research training support grant of £20,000, and covers 100% of tuition fees. The project is part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT, funded by EPSRC, Anglian Water, and Northumbrian Water Group. The research will focus on developing a robust modelling framework to simulate future changes in water resources in North and East England. By integrating physically-based hydrological modelling tools and water system models, the project aims to deliver transparent and realistic projections of water resource availability under extreme climate and demand scenarios. The outcomes will provide strategic evidence for long-term adaptation pathways to mitigate severe socio-economic disruptions caused by drought events. This interdisciplinary project is conducted in collaboration with Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, and their stakeholders, offering valuable industry engagement and real-world impact. Supervisors include Dr Anna Murgatroyd and Prof Richard Dawson at Newcastle University, Dr Geoff Darch at Anglian Water, and Liz Corbett at Northumbrian Water Group. Eligibility: Applicants should hold an MEng/MSc in a relevant subject or a first or upper second class undergraduate degree (2:1). Essential qualities include enthusiasm for research, independent thinking, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. Both home and international (including EU) applicants are welcome. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate. Application Process: Apply via the Newcastle University portal by searching for programme code 8209F ('PhD Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe)'). Provide a personal statement, enter studentship code WRII2602, and select 'Write Proposal' (no research proposal upload required). The application deadline is 30 January 2026, with the studentship commencing on 28 September 2026. For further details, visit the funding page or contact [email protected].