Fully Funded PhD Studentship on Justice and Energy Transitions at King’s College London (2026 Intake)

King’s College London is offering an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD studentship focused on justice, governance, and energy transitions in the context of critical minerals. Hosted within the prestigious African Leadership Centre (ALC), this doctoral programme is designed for individuals passionate about addressing global inequalities and advancing sustainable energy futures.

This studentship forms part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project titled Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions, led by Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko. It provides a unique platform for in-depth, interdisciplinary research on some of the most pressing global challenges surrounding the transition to clean energy.

Why This PhD Opportunity Matters

As the world accelerates toward net-zero emissions, the demand for critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—has surged. These minerals are essential for renewable energy technologies, including batteries and electric vehicles. However, their extraction often raises serious environmental, social, and political concerns.

This PhD studentship addresses key issues such as:

• Inequitable distribution of benefits from mineral extraction
• Exclusion of local communities from decision-making processes
• Environmental degradation in resource-rich regions
• Governance and accountability challenges in extractive industries

Through this programme, researchers will contribute to shaping fairer and more inclusive energy transition policies worldwide.

Programme Overview

• Institution: King’s College London
• Department: African Leadership Centre, School of Global Affairs
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Start Date: October 2026
• Duration: 3.5 years (full-time)
• Supervisor: Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko

Funding and Benefits

This is a fully funded PhD studentship with a comprehensive financial package that includes:

• Annual stipend of £23,805 (UKRI rate)
• Full home tuition fee coverage
• Annual research allowance of £1,350
• Access to world-class research facilities and academic mentorship
• Opportunities for fieldwork in regions such as Africa, Latin America, or Australia
• Support for conference participation and publication development

Research Focus Areas

Applicants will have the flexibility to design their own research within the broader theme of justice and energy transitions. Potential areas of study include:

1. Justice and equity in critical mineral supply chains
2. Community perspectives in resource-rich regions
3. Governance, leadership, and accountability in extractive industries
4. Participatory and bottom-up approaches to energy transitions
5. Innovative qualitative and interpretive research methods
6. Hermeneutical Ethnography (a novel methodology developed within the fellowship)

Academic Environment

The African Leadership Centre (ALC) is globally recognised for its commitment to:

• Ethical and African-led research approaches
• Leadership development and policy engagement
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across global issues

PhD candidates will benefit from:

• Structured doctoral training programmes
• Leadership and professional development opportunities
• Engagement with international scholars and policy partners

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
  • International Development
  • Political Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Law or related disciplines
• Demonstrate strong qualitative research skills
• Show a clear interest in justice, sustainability, or resource governance
• Have experience or interest in ethnographic or community-based research methods

Additional advantages include:

• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA)
• Lived or professional experience in extractive or resource-rich contexts

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit the following documents via King’s College London’s application portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Research Proposal (3,500–5,000 words)
• Academic Transcripts
• Two Academic References

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Application Deadline

• Closing Date: 17th May 2026

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure full consideration.

APPLY HERE

Contact for Enquiries

For informal enquiries about the programme, applicants can contact:

• Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko
• Email: clement.sefa-nyarko@kcl.ac.uk

Conclusion

This fully funded PhD studentship at King’s College London represents a rare and impactful opportunity to engage in transformative research at the intersection of justice, sustainability, and global energy transitions. With strong institutional support, generous funding, and access to global research networks, this programme is ideal for candidates seeking to drive meaningful change in the world.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

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