Richard Holliman

This fully funded NERC PhD studentship at The Open University focuses on exploring how access to nature impacts health and well-being, especially for minoritized community groups. The project builds on the 'Walking the Walk' research and aims to identify barriers and develop solutions for equitable access to green spaces, parks, and outdoor environments. The research will use mixed methods, including systematic reviews, semi-structured interviews, and co-development of new approaches with environmental scientists and community groups. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Richard Holliman and a diverse team, engaging with community leaders, ecologists, and other stakeholders. Applicants should have a strong academic background relevant to environmental science, public health, or community research. The studentship covers tuition and provides a stipend. Application requires several forms and a CV with referees, and must be submitted by January 7, 2026. For enquiries, contact Professor Richard Holliman at The Open University.

PhD studentship opportunity through CENTA (Central England NERC Training Alliance) at The Open University in Milton Keynes, starting October 2027 . The project is titled “Exploring how the values of environmental scientists influence research and impact at different career stages.” It focuses on how environmental scientists’ values shape research practice and impact across career stages, with a strong interdisciplinary angle spanning environmental science, science communication, engagement, and social research. Project highlights: - Investigating the values of environmental scientists in the context of their working environment, and how these values inform environmental science research and impact over different career stages. - Co-creating equitable forms of communication and engagement, possibly in the context of the Natural History Museum, based on an understanding of the values of nature with and for diverse constituencies. - Training in interdisciplinary scientific and social research techniques to generate and evidence forms of social and/or economic impact. Supervision team: Richard Holliman, Bryony Blades, Victoria J. Burton, and Sasha Woods. Study areas / keywords: environmental science, communication studies, sociology, interdisciplinary research, science engagement, research impact, social research methods. Funding: This is a PhD studentship opportunity through CENTA. The post appears to be funded, but the post does not specify stipend amount, tuition coverage, or additional allowances. Location: The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. How to apply: Use the linked CENTA opportunity page for full details and application instructions. Review eligibility and project information before submitting an application.