Wouter Poortinga

The School of Psychology at Cardiff University invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship through the Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) in the Psychology Pathway, commencing October 2026. This interdisciplinary project focuses on the behavioural and social drivers of environmental change at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest freshwater ecosystem, which is home to unique biodiversity including the critically endangered Alaotran gentle lemur. The project addresses urgent conservation challenges, such as marsh burning, agricultural expansion, and overexploitation of natural resources, which threaten both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of over 550,000 local residents. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, unsustainable practices persist, highlighting the need to understand the complex behavioural, social, and economic dynamics at play. The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and local community organisations, ensuring that outcomes are grounded in local realities and have practical impact. The PhD will employ a mixed-methods, interdisciplinary approach, combining quantitative and qualitative social science methods, integrating behavioural data with ecological and spatial datasets, and co-designing community-led interventions. The student will work closely with Durrell’s teams in Madagascar and the UK, and benefit from an interdisciplinary supervisory team including Professor Wouter Poortinga (Cardiff University) and Dr Caroline Verfuerth (Cardiff Business School). This studentship covers full tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend (currently £20,780 for 2025-26 full-time), and access to a Research Training Support Grant. International students are eligible and will not be charged the fee difference between UK and international rates. All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of three months, with opportunities in academia, policy, business, or civil society organisations. Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) may be available. Applicants should hold (or expect to hold) a UK first or upper second-class honours degree, or a master’s degree, or have equivalent experience. Non-traditional academic backgrounds are welcome. Ability to communicate in French and/or Malagasy is beneficial. Proof of English language competency may be required. Applications are welcome for both full and part-time study. To apply, submit your application via the Cardiff University Psychology postgraduate research portal by 30 April 2026, including all required documents. Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview, which will include a presentation and panel questions. For further details, visit the project page or contact the supervisory team.