News, Jobs, Events, Opportunities and lots more...
No images? Click here
A quick round up of the latest news, jobs and opportunities
Events
Webinar: Public Participation in Offshore Wind – Research Dissemination Event
Monday 30 March, 10am-12pm, online
Join the University of Exeter and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to explore new research on how marine stakeholders –including communities, regulators, developers and marine users – participate in decision‑making throughout the lifecycle of English offshore wind projects.
This session will present key findings from a five‑month research project led by ACCESS Leadership College Fellow Pamela Buchan, including a systematic review of public participation experiences in marine decision-making. The event will share practical recommendations and considerations for future policy and practice and provide space for discussion and stakeholder feedback.
Seminar: Why Using More Than Words Matters When Science Is Controversial
Wednesday 6 May, 12-1pm, University of Exeter & online
This is a Centre for Climate Communication and Data Science (C3DS) seminar. Prof. Julia Metag and Dr. Florian Wintterlin from the Department of Communication at the University of Muenster, Germany, are speaking on: ‘Why Using More Than Words Matters When Science Is Controversial’.
To register, please email: c3ds@exeter.ac.uk
World Biodiversity Day celebrations
Monday 18 May, 11.30am-2pm, University of Exeter (Penryn Campus, Cornwall)
This event, hosted by the University of Exeter's Environmental Systems Institute (ESI), is open to all and includes:
- a foraging walk around Penryn Campus by Dr Jon Bennie
- a talk by landscape architect Melissa Ralph about the project Making Space for Nature, a collaboration between the University of Exeter, Cornwall Council and Cormac.
- an exhibition showcasing RENEW, a partnership programme focused on developing solutions for the renewal of biodiversity.
Funding
New Challenge Fund to support innovative research at the intersection of climate and health
This fund supports innovative research, training, engagement and impact activities responding to emerging priorities at the intersection of climate and health.
They are seeking interdisciplinary, needs-led projects that are co-produced with non-academic partners.
Scheme A – Seedcorn Projects
- Up to £40,000 per project (80% FEC)
- 3 projects funded per round
- 12-month delivery period (no extensions)
Information webinar: Monday 30 March, 11.30am
Register here
Expression of interest: sandpit: AI supported research using UKRI social science data
Submit an expression of interest to attend a two‑day in‑person sandpit in Manchester on 23 to 24 June 2026 to develop high-level ideas on AI‑supported social science using UKRI data. The sandpit will bring together around 40 experts to co‑create proposals to UKRI.
After the sandpit, participants will be invited to submit applications for projects of up to £230,000 FEC. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Full
participation in the sandpit is required to be eligible to apply for funding.
Closing date: Tuesday 12 May, 4pm
Jobs
Marine and Coastal Team Leader, Norfolk County Council
Experienced, outward-facing leader sought to guide the work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP) and The Wash & North Norfolk Marine Partnership (WNNMP) dedicated to protecting exceptional habitats, species, landscapes and seascapes while supporting thriving communities and sustainable local economies.
You’ll lead a small team driving delivery across key priorities such as nature recovery, climate adaptation, recreational management and sustainable tourism.
You’ll also steer development and implementation of the Norfolk Coast National Landscape Management Plan and annual Action Plan, ensuring clear targets, measurable outcomes and strong performance monitoring.
Closing date: Wednesday 8 April
Lecturer in Sociology (Early Career), Open University
This is a full-time, permanent role within the School of Social Sciences and Global Studies (SSGS) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
Whilst the successful candidate can work from home/remotely for the majority of the time, as this contract is contractually aligned, there will be a requirement to attend the Milton Keynes office as and when required. We expect this to be approximately twice per month.
Closing date: Sunday 12 April
Activism and Community Campaigns Officer, Friends of the Earth, Belfast
Friends of the Earth are looking for an experienced community organiser to join the Northern Ireland team at a very exciting time. The role will be to build power by supporting communities to campaign for environmental and climate justice.
You will also help grow a grassroots movement for change with a particular emphasis on supporting groups having to deal with unsustainable developments imposed on their community.
Closing date: Wednesday 15 April
Lecturer in Environmental Politics, University of Bath
Applications are particularly welcome from scholars with a research focus on:
- International Relations and Climate Change
- Geopolitics of Climate Governance
- Climate Security
- Climate Migration
- Global South Environmental Politics and Perspectives
- Environmental Political Theory
This is a full-time, permanent role
Closing date: Thursday 23 April
PhD & Masters studentships
Fully Funded Masters by Research (MRes), Lancaster University
From Data to Decisions: Understanding How Users Interpret Volcanic Ash Forecasts
This project will be supervised by Thomas Jones (Lancaster University), Helen Roberts, Frances Beckett, and Matthew Hort (Met Office).
Applications are encouraged from students with a social science background and/or experience of qualitative or participatory research methods. No prior knowledge of volcanology is required.
Enquires are welcome and should be directed to Dr Thomas Jones: thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk.
Closing date: Monday 13 April
PhD Studentship, University of Essex
Towards a Praxis of a Just Transition in Developing Economies: Beyond Counter Accounts and Regulatory Frameworks to Action
This opportunity would suit a candidate with a degree/ background in sustainability, social and environmental accounting, corporate social responsibility, accountability, particularly with an interest in climate change and qualitative research methodologies (e.g., in terms of theorisation, research design as well as data collection and analysis).
Supervisors are Profs Thankom Arun and Karen Hulme.
It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in environmental law and legal methodologies as this will be provided on the programme.
Closing date: Monday 13 April
Postdoctoral fellowships
South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) ESRC post-doctoral fellowships 2026
The ESRC invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships (PDF) to be based at the SWDTP institutions of University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Plymouth University, University of West of England, Bath Spa University, Bournemouth University and Plymouth Marjon University.
Fellowships are aimed at providing a development opportunity for social science researchers in the immediate postdoctoral stage of their career, to consolidate their PhD through developing publications, their networks, and their research and professional skills.
Online information event: Monday 30 March, 1-2pm
Register here
Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Social Science, London School of Economics
This is a full-time, fixed term appointment for two years with potential to renew for a third year
LSE100, LSE’s flagship interdisciplinary course taken by all first-year undergraduates, is recruiting creative educators with a commitment to innovative interdisciplinary teaching to join our team.
LSE100 offers three themes for students to choose from as their focus of study on the course. In 2026/27, these will be: How can we control AI?, How can we transform our climate futures?, and How can we create a fair society? The ability to demonstrate research-informed interest and expertise in teaching across multiple themes is an asset.
For this post, we are looking for individuals with relevant expertise and interest in teaching on our How can we control AI? theme, and whose research interests also connect to one or more of the other themes.
Closing date: 26 April
Opportunities
Call for papers: Livable Cities Conference 2026
Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 June, University of Salford
The Livable Cities Conference 2026 is organised by the University of Salford, Manchester, UK. The book from the 2026 conference will be published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Themes of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Sustainable Cities
- Biophilic design
- Placemaking
- Public Space Design
- Resilient Cities
- Urbanism
- Architecture
- Environmental Planning
- Design for Climate Change
- Participatory Design
Deadline: Wednesday 1 April
British Academy's Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN)
The British Academy's Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) is a community built by researchers, for researchers. It helps ECRs connect, collaborate, and access the funding needed to grow your research and career.
You are eligible to join if you:
- Have completed your PhD within the last 10 years
- Work in a humanities, social science or arts discipline
- Are primarily based in the UK
The British Academy have just launched a new ECRs film about the Network and are hosting a number of online information calls about the ECRN in April.
Learn more
Call for evidence: Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK
In this new inquiry, MPs will explore how growing AI use might accelerate the need for data centres and whether planning authorities will take account of their impact on the environment.
They will also consider how new technologies could minimise their environmental impact and what lessons the UK could learn from other countries.
Amongst the issues the Environmental Audit Committee’s new inquiry will examine will be how much energy and water data centres are likely to use, and how this could impact the Government’s net zero goals.
Deadline: Monday 6 April
Energy Geographies Research Group ‘Activism Award’
This award aims to distinguish individuals or organisations who make a significant contribution to energy justice through public engagement, scholarship, teaching, direct action, or other means. ‘Energy justice’ means a commitment to social justice or the empowerment of vulnerable communities and marginalised groups as part of low-carbon transitions.
Anyone can apply for the award, provided that their work directly or indirectly draws upon or contributes to energy geographies research. You don’t have to be an academic (established or early career) to apply for the prize.
The prize:
- Cash prize of £75.
- Invitation to showcase your work at RGS Conference 1-4 September.
- Your research will be showcased through an online webinar.
Deadline: Thursday 7 May, 5pm.
Info
Why emotional resilience should be at the heart of climate change education
In this article for The Conversation, Jessica Newberry Le Vay (University of Oxford) describes some of the findings of the Compass Project, which is exploring how combining climate change education with consideration of mental health and wellbeing can better equip young people for their futures.
Through focus groups and a survey, they have heard from over 200 students aged 16-29 and their educators in schools, further education and sixth form colleges and universities in England.
"The transformational societal changes that the climate crisis demands can only take place by considering the emotions, thoughts and beliefs that shape our actions, including support to minimise burnout. Our actions, in turn, shape our emotions and can influence our health and wellbeing. Recognising and resourcing these connections in education systems is critical to truly equip young people for life and work in a changing climate."
Watch a film by the Climate Majority Project, highlighting the emotional reality of climate change education through the eyes of a teacher.
Who should be responsible for making sustainable, healthy eating the norm?
"I believe the most impactful thing individuals can do is to push policy makers and food decision makers to change how things are done – in schools, supermarkets, canteens. Those community level actions, those political actions are going to be much more beneficial in general than some motivated individuals making small changes to their diet."
In the Wellcome Trust's ‘Behind the Research’ LinkedIn newsletter, Professor Peter Scarborough (University of Oxford), describes his work on the LEAP (Livestock, Environment and People) project, and the surprising findings that came out of the research.
Are you on the ACCESS Network database?
ACCESS aims to make social science expertise more accessible. We have created a publicly available, searchable database (The ACCESS Network) of social scientists and experts working in the fields of climate and environment.
Join the ACCESS Network to share your research and start making connections with other environmental social scientists.
