Project Description

The Climate Change Committee’s Well Adapted UK report highlights a critical need for practical adaptation solutions to build a resilient UK by 2050. Although information and data to inform adaptation planning is increasingly available through national risk assessments and climate services, there is limited understanding of how such information is interpreted and used by Local Authorities (LAs), which have a central role in managing planning, infrastructure, estates management, public health, and community resilience to climate risks. This includes understanding how organisational roles, professional norms, and internal decision-making processes influence climate information use.

This project will examine how climate information, including hazard, risk and adaptation data, is currently interpreted and incorporated into local public-sector decision-making processes, and how it shapes organisational decision making on climate adaptation. Project findings will shape recommendations that will inform the next generation of climate service tools and enhance the uptake and useability of information by LAs.

Using a qualitative multi-method approach, the research will combine wider documentary analysis of LA adaptation strategies, risk registers, and planning documents with focused semi-structured interviews with staff involved in adaptation decision-making. Existing consultation survey data from leading national climate service providers will provide further contextual insights. The analysis will focus on i) how climate information is accessed and interpreted; ii) where and how this information enters adaptation decision processes; and iii) opportunities to enhance adaptation processes and outcomes. Engagement with the UK Met Office climate services team will support analysis, knowledge exchange and impact.

The student will undertake training in designing and conducting effective interviews, thematic coding, methods to synthesise insights from qualitative data and using software such as NVivo. As a member of the Tyndall Early Career Network they will benefit from an established research group, bespoke training (e.g. science-policy engagement), and opportunities via the Met Office to join user-focused webinars and engage with adaptation and climate experts.

We seek a highly motivated individual with an understanding of climate science and/or adaptation policy in the UK; skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and synthesis; interest in engaging with adaptation decision-makers; and excellent written and verbal communication.

Entry Requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions(opens in a new window). Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion(opens in a new window) in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential.

After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form(opens in a new window).One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete a separate form for each.

Please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk(opens in a new window) for further information.

References

Jenkins, K., Ford, A., Robson, C. et al. (2022). Identifying adaptation on the ground, development of a UK adaptation inventory. Climate Risk Management, 36.

Jenkins, K., Nicholls, R. J., Sayers, P. B., Redhead, J., Price, J., He, Y., et al. (2026). Exploring the role of strategic place-based risk assessment as a framework to support system-based climate adaptation planning. Earth's Future, 14, e2025EF007417.

Mittal, N., Fung, F., McSweeney, C., Lowe J. A. (2025) Understanding needs for climate information and services in the UK. Climate Services

Dudley, H., Holmes, J., Jordan, A., & Lorenzoni, I. (2026). The policy impact of climate change advisory bodies: Government responses to the UK Climate Change Committee’s recommendations, 2009–2020. Climate Policy, 26(2), 239-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2025.2497881

Lorenzoni I and others (2026). ‘Putting people at the centre of UK climate adaptation and resilience’. Government Office for Science.' Available at: https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/putting-people-at-the-centre-of-uk-climate-adaptation-and-resilience

From climate information to climate action: Evaluating how climate information use shapes local adaptation decision making in English Local Authorities and opportunities for improvement (JENKINS_UEA_ARIES27)

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Project Description

Entry Requirements

Funding

References