卡迪夫大学PhD position in A Behavioural Science Approach to Community-Led Conservation at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar申请条件要求-申请方
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卡迪夫大学
PhD直招介绍
About the Project
The School of Psychology at Cardiff University are delighted to offer a fully funded Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) studentship in the Psychology Pathway starting in October 2026.
This collaborative PhD project, based at the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, will investigate the behavioural and social drivers of environmental change around Lake Alaotra, Madagascar’s largest freshwater ecosystem. The lake supports unique biodiversity, including the critically endangered Alaotran gentle lemur, alongside endemic fish and bird species. However, this ecosystem is under severe threat from marsh burning, agricultural expansion, and overexploitation of natural resources.
Despite long-term conservation efforts, unsustainable practices persist or are intensifying, including burning marshland to catch invasive species such as the Asian snakehead fish. These practices are deeply embedded within local livelihoods: over 550,000 people depend on farming, fishing, and weaving in the region. Previous interventions, such as restoration and awareness campaigns, have had limited success, suggesting that key barriers lie in complex behavioural, social, and economic dynamics rather than knowledge gaps alone. These challenges are further intensified by climate change, with Madagascar among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts.
In collaboration with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust ( https://www.durrell.org ), this project will apply behavioural science approaches to understand the psychological, social, and structural drivers of environmentally harmful practices, and to identify pathways for supporting sustainable, conservation-aligned livelihoods. The project will work closely with local community organisations (Vondron’Olona Ifotony), producer groups, and government stakeholders to ensure research is grounded in local realities and produces actionable outcomes.
The PhD will adopt a mixed-methods, interdisciplinary approach: (i) combining quantitative and qualitative social science methods with diverse stakeholders; (ii) integrating behavioural data with ecological and spatial datasets (e.g. fire mapping and biodiversity monitoring) to identify patterns and risk factors associated with unsustainable practices; and (iii) co-designing and testing community-led interventions in partnership with Durrell and local stakeholders.
The project is inherently collaborative and impact-oriented. The student will work closely with Durrell’s teams in Madagascar and the UK, alongside an interdisciplinary supervisory team: Wouter Poortinga (School of Psychology, Cardiff University), Caroline Verfuerth (Cardiff Business School), Neal Hockley (School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University), and Stuart Capstick (Durrell Trust).
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global challenges at the intersection of human behaviour, environmental sustainability, and climate change, while advancing theoretical understanding of behaviour change and developing practical, real-world impact. Ability to communicate in French and/or Malagasy would be beneficial.
Duration of study:
Durations of study varies from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full-time (or part-time equivalent). The duration study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs of the student which will be assessed by completing a Development Needs Analysis. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.
Research in practice placement:
All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.
International Eligibility:
WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI( https://www.ukri.org/manage-your-award/support-for-ukri-funded-students/ ) eligibility requirements.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Assessment:
Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. As part of the interview process, applicants will be asked to give a short presentation and answer a series of panel questions.
卡迪夫大学 PhD position in A Behavioural Science Approach to Community-Led Conservation at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar项目有没有奖学金，是不是全奖Phd招生，下面我们一起看一下【大学名称】Phd的奖学金资助情况
项目资助情况
Funding Notes
The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend of in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780 for 2025-26 full-time) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant. Full and part-time applications are welcomed. If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.
All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.
卡迪夫大学Phd申请条件和要求都有哪些？PhD position in A Behavioural Science Approach to Community-Led Conservation at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar项目是不是全奖？有没有奖学金？下面我们一起看一下卡迪夫大学申请Phd直招需要具备哪些条件和要求，以及托福、雅思语言成绩要到多少才能申请。
申请要求
Entry Criteria:
To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equivalent to an UK honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.
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招生人信息
Prof W Poortinga, Dr CV Verfuerth
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