Richard Hodgkins

This PhD project at Loughborough University, within the Department of Geography and Environment and the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT), focuses on developing and evaluating event-based storylines to make climate change and flood risk more relatable and memorable. The research will synthesize evidence from climate projections, risk assessment, and observational data to create storylines based on recent flooding events in Leicestershire, UK. These storylines will serve as tools for understanding high-impact, low-likelihood flood events and for communicating climate risk effectively to raise awareness and inform decision-making. The project is supervised by Dr. Richard Hodgkins and Dr. Beki McElvain, both experts in environmental and geographical sciences. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research community and benefit from interdisciplinary training and collaboration opportunities through FLOOD-CDT. Funding is provided by UKRI Flood-CDT, offering a 3.5-year studentship with a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum and UK tuition fees covered. International candidates may also have the difference between UK and international tuition fees paid by the university, subject to UKRI funding rules. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a strong undergraduate or Master’s degree (minimum UK 2:1 honours or equivalent) in a relevant subject, and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in each component). The application process requires submission of a research statement, CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English proficiency if applicable. The closing date for applications is 8 January 2026, with the project starting in October 2026. Both UK and international candidates are eligible to apply, and prospective students are encouraged to contact the supervisors to discuss project details before submitting their application.