Trivik Verma

This PhD project explores the intersection of flood risk and housing inequality in UK cities, focusing on how climate-driven hazards reshape urban living, housing markets, and social equity. The research investigates the phenomenon of hazard gentrification, where adaptation measures can both increase property values and displace vulnerable residents, or conversely, perpetuate disinvestment in exposed areas. The student will develop an open observatory to monitor flood risk and neighbourhood change, integrating official spatial datasets (such as government flood maps and deprivation indices), housing market data (prices and rents), and community-reported flood events. Advanced methods in GIS, artificial intelligence, and time series analysis will be used to reveal how climate risks and housing dynamics interact and to forecast future patterns under climate change scenarios. Leicester and Loughborough are selected as contrasting case studies to ensure findings are transferable across different urban contexts. The project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (Flood CDT) and aligns with Loughborough University’s commitment to research on equitable adaptation and resilience. Training will be provided in spatial analysis, AI, and participatory research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, consultancies, and NGOs. The supervisory team includes experts in urban planning, climate adaptation, and social justice. The studentship offers a tax-free stipend and covers tuition fees, with additional support for international candidates. The university encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive research environment. Applicants should have a strong academic record in a relevant field and meet English language requirements. The application process involves submitting a statement of research interests, CV, transcripts, and language certificates, with the opportunity to contact supervisors for project-specific discussions.

This PhD project at Loughborough University, titled 'CARE: Climate Risk Evaluation Using Participatory Mapping for Flood-Prone and Data-Scarce Environments,' addresses the urgent challenge of urban flooding and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Traditional flood risk models often focus narrowly on physical hazards, overlooking the lived experiences and coping strategies of those most affected. The project aims to develop fairer, more inclusive, and scientifically robust approaches to mapping urban flood risk by integrating community knowledge with advanced geospatial data science and disaster risk reduction methods. Supported by UNITAC and academic partners, the successful candidate will co-design participatory workshops with residents in flood-prone cities, gathering insights about local risks, safe and unsafe spaces, and community coping mechanisms. These insights will be digitised and scaled using open datasets such as WorldPop, OpenStreetMap, and satellite imagery, alongside advanced tools including GIS, Python, R, and small area estimation techniques. The resulting high-resolution risk maps will combine hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data to inform more effective and equitable flood risk management. The project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training for Resilient Flood Futures (FLOOD-CDT) and offers a supportive, inclusive research environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. Funding is provided through a UKRI Flood-CDT studentship, covering a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum and UK tuition fees for 3.5 years, with additional support for international candidates. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a strong undergraduate or Master’s degree in a relevant field and meet English language requirements. The application process involves submitting a statement of research interests, CV, academic transcripts, and language certificates. The project is ideal for candidates interested in combining community engagement, data science, and urban planning to address climate-related challenges.

Loughborough University is offering a fully funded PhD position titled 'Flood Risk and Housing Inequality: Towards Equitable Adaptation.' This project investigates how flooding is reshaping housing markets and widening inequalities in UK cities, focusing on the phenomenon of hazard gentrification. The research will use Leicester and Loughborough as case studies to explore how cities can design adaptation strategies that are both resilient and socially just. The successful candidate will build an open observatory to track flood risk and neighborhood change, integrating official spatial datasets, housing market data, and community reporting. Advanced training will be provided in spatial analysis, AI methods, and participatory research, with support from supervisors in urban planning, climate adaptation, and social justice. The project is part of the Flood CDT and aligns with Loughborough’s research on equitable adaptation and resilience. Applicants should have at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. The position is fully funded for both UK and international students, covering tuition and providing a stipend. The application deadline is 8 January 2026, and the start date is October 2026. Loughborough University is committed to an inclusive research environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.