Extreme Night-time Heat and Health in Northern Ireland under Climate Change

Summary

Hot nights are becoming a recognised climate risk with direct consequences for health and emergency care. Consecutive humid nights are linked to higher rates of cardiovascular and stroke admissions and create measurable surges in ambulance and emergency demand.

While these events are increasing across the UK, Northern Ireland has no dedicated analysis of when and where they will emerge, or how they will affect local health services.

This PhD offers the opportunity to address that gap. You will develop the first Northern Ireland Heat Atlas of night-time humid heat, combining climate projections with population and health-service data.

You will design a new Night Heat Retention Index to identify places that fail to cool overnight, detect multi-night humid-heat streaks, and map their frequency for the coming decades.

Crucially, the project will translate these findings into Health and Social Care Trust–level estimates of likely pressure on emergency services, providing evidence that is urgently needed for adaptation planning.

The project is fully desk-based and supported by existing climate datasets. You will gain advanced training in climate data handling, statistical downscaling, GIS, and reproducible coding, alongside opportunities to publish peer-reviewed research.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated student to carry out research that is both scientifically novel and of clear value to society.

Please note that a research proposal is not required with this application.

This project is well suited to a motivated student with strong analytical ability and an interest in climate, health, or environmental change.

Experience in quantitative methods, spatial analysis, or handling large datasets would be valuable, but full training will be provided in climate modelling, statistical downscaling, and health-impact translation.

Above all, the project calls for intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to connect rigorous quantitative research with questions of real-world importance for communities and public services.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.