Waste/Land/Futures: intergenerational relations in places of abandonment and renewal across Europe
An exciting PhD opportunity to work on the Volkswagen Foundation-funded project ‘Waste/Land/Futures: Intergenerational Relations in Places of Abandonment and Renewal across Europe.’ Together with researchers from the UK, Germany, Austria and Romania, the project will study communities in places of abandonment, loss and renewal in western and eastern Europe.
Key facts
Fee status
Your country/region
Level
Postgraduate (research)
Number of awards
1
Value of awards
Deadline
This is an exciting PhD opportunity to work on the Volkswagen Foundation funded project ‘Waste/Land/Futures: Intergenerational Relations in Places of Abandonment and Renewal across Europe.’
Together with researchers from the UK, Germany, Austria and Romania, the project will study communities in places of abandonment, loss and renewal in western and eastern Europe to develop intergenerational, utopian re-stories that allow those who are usually excluded from speculation about the future to have a stake in it.
The PhD candidate will complete their own PhD thesis within the thematic and methodological framework of the research project, and participate in the activities of the international research team (e.g. project meetings, workshops, visits to partner institutions).
The specific aim of the PhD will be negotiated between the successful candidate, the supervisory team and the wider project team, but relevant topics include intergenerational relationships in the context of changing demographics and de-industrialised places in the UK.
The project has a particular interest in the intersection of materiality (e.g. environments, bodies, places, things), temporality (particularly future-oriented aspects) and intergenerational relationships in time and place.
Training
The University of Stirling provides a supportive training environment for postgraduate researchers and this studentship also provides an excellent opportunity to train with an international, inter-disciplinary research team.
Funding information
This 3-year PhD studentship is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. The studentship covers:
- the full cost of UK tuition fees,
- an annual stipend tied to UKRI rates – £19,237 in 2024/25,
- funds to support travel to conferences and the European partner.
Eligibility and availability
The successful candidate will have very good undergraduate (2:1 or 1st) and Masters degrees in social science or humanities subjects and experience of qualitative research skills. Experience of or interest in ethnographic research would be an advantage.
How to apply
Primary supervisor: Dr Melanie Lovatt
To apply for the studentship complete our Sociology and Social Policy PhD application form and ensure you include your research proposal relating to the Waste/Land/Futures project and an academic CV.
Please email Melanie Lovatt at melanie.lovatt1@stir.ac.uk with any informal inquiries about the position.