PhD Studentship: From climate information to climate action: Evaluating how climate information use shapes local adaptation decision making in English Local Authorities and opportunities for improvement

The Climate Change Committee’s Well Adapted UK report highlights a critical need for practical adaptation solutions to build a resilient UK by 2050. Although information and data to inform adaptation planning is increasingly available through national risk assessments and climate services, there is limited understanding of how such information is interpreted and used by Local Authorities (LAs), which have a central role in managing planning, infrastructure, estates management, public health, and community resilience to climate risks. This includes understanding how organisational roles, professional norms, and internal decision-making processes influence climate information use.

This project will examine how climate information, including hazard, risk and adaptation data, is currently interpreted and incorporated into local public-sector decision-making processes, and how it shapes organisational decision making on climate adaptation. Project findings will shape recommendations that will inform the next generation of climate service tools and enhance the uptake and useability of information by LAs.

Using a qualitative multi-method approach, the research will combine wider documentary analysis of LA adaptation strategies, risk registers, and planning documents with focused semi-structured interviews with staff involved in adaptation decision-making. Existing consultation survey data from leading national climate service providers will provide further contextual insights. The analysis will focus on i) how climate information is accessed and interpreted; ii) where and how this information enters adaptation decision processes; and iii) opportunities to enhance adaptation processes and outcomes. Engagement with the UK Met Office climate services team will support analysis, knowledge exchange and impact.

The student will undertake training in designing and conducting effective interviews, thematic coding, methods to synthesise insights from qualitative data and using software such as NVivo. As a member of the Tyndall Early Career Network they will benefit from an established research group, bespoke training (e.g. science-policy engagement), and opportunities via the Met Office to join user-focused webinars and engage with adaptation and climate experts.

We seek a highly motivated individual with an understanding of climate science and/or adaptation policy in the UK; skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and synthesis; interest in engaging with adaptation decision-makers; and excellent written and verbal communication.

Additional Funding Information

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions(opens in a new window). Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.