CIHR PhD Scholarship

We invite expressions of interest in pursuing doctoral research for a fully funded PhD position in the School for Cross-Faculty Studies, Global Sustainable Development department at the University of Warwick.

Background

Climate change is leading to higher temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing temperature increases at a faster rate than the global average. Children are particularly vulnerable to these changes due to their rapidly developing brains and reduced physiological capacity to adapt to heat. While there is growing public discourse, there is limited empirical work on how heat exposure impacts child mental health and cognitive function. This research aims to develop effective adaptation strategies, especially in places already experiencing frequent heat extremes.

We are seeking a PhD student to work in the following area of research:

An in-depth investigation on children’s, and their carers’, lived experiences and perceptions of heat in educational environments. This will include an analysis of the socio-cultural, institutional, and governance contexts that shape responses to heat in school settings, and a study of heat adaptation practices emerging in unconventional knowledge settings, all against the background of mental health and cognitive behaviour results from the wider project. The applicant will have the opportunity to shape the project and methods to match their interests and academic background.

Project Context

Successful applicants will conduct research that contributes to the international project “Co-producing knowledge on neighbourhood heat and its impacts on child mental health and cognition” funded by CIHR (Canadian Institute for Health Research). The project investigates the mental health and cognitive impacts of exposure to heat in primary school-age children in Accra, Ghana. The project leverages extensive existing research infrastructure, data, and partnerships. It is designed around three core objectives:

To co-produce actionable knowledge on heat-related risks and adaptation strategies with policy partners, civil society, and citizens.

To estimate the effect of heat exposure on child mental health.

To estimate the effect of heat exposure on child cognitive outcomes.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Camilla Audia (camilla.audia@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window) and based within the department of Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-Faculty studies at the University of Warwick. The PhD candidate will be part of a team of leading international researchers from institutions including McGill University, the University of Ghana, Michigan State University, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of Warwick. The student will receive a stipend as well as funds for conferences and travel. Travelling to Ghana is expected as part of the project, as part of data collection fieldwork.

How to apply

You will need to submit an application for an MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development (Global Sustainable Development (MPhil/PhD)Link opens in a new window) and additionally apply for the scholarship by submitting a 2 page summary of your research proposal to PGGSD@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window. The proposal should include key research questions and objectives that align with the project's overall goals, outline your proposed approach to investigating the lived experiences of heat in educational settings and highlight how your experience matches the project’s themes and objectives. We will not be able to consider any applicants who do not complete both these processes by the specified deadline.

The application deadline is October 28, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview shortly after the deadline.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have an honours degree (2:1 or above) and a relevant Master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications or experience.

Applications are welcome from all related disciplines. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Camilla Audia (camilla.audia@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window).

We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, including but not limited to:

Geography and Environmental Studies

Social sciences

International/Sustainable Development

Public Health and Epidemiology

Psychology and Mental Health Sciences

Education and Childhood Studies

Urban Planning and Design

Sociology and Anthropology

Climate Science and Environmental Management

Political Science and Public Policy

Global Health

Sustainability Studies

Candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, as the project sits at the intersection of climate change, health, education, and sustainable development.

Funding

The scholarship will cover full tuition fees at the UK/Home fee level ONLY. Each scholarship will also provide a stipend for 3 years at the UKRI rate (for 2025/2026, this is £20,780.00and rates will increase slightly in subsequent years of the award). Fees at the overseas rate will NOT be available. There will be additional funding available for research and training expenses. Students would normally be expected to be enrolled full-time.

This page has no content yet.