Fully Funded University of Manchester PhD 2026 in Net Zero Decision Making and Climate Policy Research (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester is now accepting applications for a fully funded PhD project titled “Institutional Cultures and Citizen Engagement for Net Zero Decision Making” under the prestigious PACT (Production and Consumption Transformations) Centre. This exciting doctoral opportunity is designed for students interested in climate governance, public policy, citizen participation, institutional decision-making, political economy, and net-zero transitions in the United Kingdom.

The project offers successful applicants the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on climate policy and societal transformation while joining one of the UK’s leading climate research environments.

The fully funded PhD studentship will begin in October 2026 and provides financial support through tuition coverage and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year.

About the PACT Centre

The PhD is part of the newly established PACT Centre, a four-year research initiative jointly funded by:

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

PACT is a collaborative partnership between:

• The University of Manchester
• The University of Leeds
• The University of Sussex

The Centre focuses on understanding how production and consumption systems can be transformed to achieve climate goals, energy efficiency, and sustainable societal transitions.

Its work aims to produce actionable insights that influence:

• Government policy
• Climate governance
• Public engagement strategies
• Sustainable economic systems
• Net-zero transition planning

PACT collaborates closely with:

• Government departments
• Civil society organizations
• Campaign groups
• Private sector stakeholders

The research programme investigates how political, economic, and societal systems shape the UK’s transition toward net zero emissions while ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and effectiveness in policy implementation.

Focus Areas of the PACT Research Programme

PACT organizes its research around three major analytical lenses:

1. Accounting and Modelling

This area focuses on:

• Quantifying impacts across production and consumption systems
• Resource efficiency analysis
• Climate modelling
• Evaluation of sustainability interventions

2. Decision-Making Institutions and Cultures

This research stream examines:

• Institutional cultures
• Policy development processes
• Governance systems
• Coalitions of influence
• Economic interest groups
• Political decision-making structures

3. Public Impact and Engagement

This lens investigates:

• Citizen participation in climate policymaking
• Public engagement mechanisms
• Policy impacts on communities
• Social inclusion in environmental governance

About the Research Team

At the University of Manchester, the PACT team includes:

• Prof Rebecca Willis
• Dr Andy Yuille
• Mathilde Rainard

The successful PhD candidate will join the highly respected Climate Citizens research group, which includes around 15 research staff and doctoral researchers within:

• The Tyndall Centre
• The Politics Department at the University of Manchester

This provides a strong interdisciplinary environment for climate governance and public policy research.

Research Areas for the PhD Proposal

Applicants are expected to submit a research proposal aligned with the aims of PACT. The University encourages candidates to shape their proposal according to their own interests and expertise while considering the supervisors’ research areas.

The programme is especially interested in proposals covering:

Potential Research Topics

1. Economic Interest Groups and Climate Policymaking
   • How economic actors influence climate policy
   • Institutional resistance to net-zero transitions
   • Policy disruption and lobbying practices
2. Cross-National Comparisons
   • Comparative studies on public participation in climate governance
   • Citizen engagement models across countries
3. Public Engagement and Policymaking
   • How citizen input influences government decisions
   • Translating public consultations into policy outcomes
4. Climate Governance Case Studies
   • Formal and informal routes of influence
   • Trade unions and citizen lobby groups
   • Public consultation mechanisms
5. Cars and Homes as Net-Zero Case Studies
   • Sustainable transport policy
   • Housing decarbonization
   • Consumer behaviour and climate transitions
6. Innovative Research Methods
   • Qualitative research
   • Mixed-methods approaches
   • Process tracing methodologies
   • Existing dataset analysis

Applicants may also use datasets already available within the project, including:

• Two-year citizens’ panel datasets
• Policymaker discussion group datasets

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity, applicants should:

• Hold or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 honours degree or a Master’s degree (or international equivalent)
• Have academic training in a relevant discipline such as:
  • Political science
  • Sociology
  • Political economy
  • Geography
  • Public policy
  • Organizational psychology
  • Climate governance
  • Social sciences

Desirable Qualifications

The University also values:

• Professional experience in climate-related fields
• Experience in public engagement research
• Interest in sustainability and net-zero policy
• Qualitative or mixed-methods research expertise

Funding Benefits

This is a fully funded 3.5-year PhD project.

The successful applicant will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for 2026/27
• Expected annual stipend increases
• Access to world-class research facilities
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Membership within the Climate Citizens research group

The programme also supports:

• Flexible study arrangements
• Inclusive research environments
• Diversity and equality initiatives

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Research Proposal (maximum two pages)
2. CV
3. Academic transcripts and certificates
4. Supporting statement outlining:
   • Research motivation
   • Relevant experience
   • Skills and techniques
   • Previous research findings
5. Two referee contacts
6. English language certificate (if applicable)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Apply Here

Important Deadline and Start Date

• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
• Programme Start Date: October 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the advert may close before the official deadline.

Why This PhD Opportunity Matters

This PhD represents a major opportunity for researchers passionate about:

• Climate governance
• Public policy
• Citizen participation
• Institutional change
• Sustainable development
• Net-zero transitions

The project combines rigorous academic research with real-world policy relevance, allowing scholars to contribute directly to national and international climate transformation strategies.

With increasing global attention on climate action and public engagement, this programme positions successful candidates at the forefront of sustainability and governance research.

About the University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities and is internationally recognized for excellence in climate science, public policy, and interdisciplinary sustainability research.

The university actively promotes:

• Equality and diversity
• Inclusive research cultures
• Flexible study arrangements
• Support for applicants from diverse backgrounds

Its strong global reputation and extensive research networks make it an ideal environment for doctoral study in climate governance and public engagement.

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