PhD Study : The Criminogenic Properties of Commodity Trading Markets

Summary

Commodity trading is a fundamental pillar of the global economy. Commodity traders facilitate the circulation of raw material from sites of extraction to manufacturing and industrial processing hubs. Commodity trading is also a highly opaque sector anchored in Switzerland, a jurisdiction that scores poorly in key transparency indices, such as the financial transparency index. Over the past decade major commodity traders such as Gunvor and Trafigura, have been linked to corruption scandals and human rights abuses (Amnesty International and Greenpeace 2012; Public Eye 2017). This has triggered leaks, litigation and prosecutions. As a result of these actions and the rich trail of evidence they create, we have a rare window into this industry. Ulster University is looking for applicants interested in conducting a novel and ground-breaking study that will examine the criminogenic features of the commodity trading industry.

This study will identify specific properties of the commodity trading market that render it vulnerable to different forms of criminal activity. By criminogenic we follow the analysis of Davies who notes ‘“criminogenic” can be understood here as embedded dynamics of industry, such as complex supply networks, limited regulatory oversight, and collusion with external (state) institutions that shape conditions for systemic criminal and harmful activity to occur’ (2022: 91; see also Bradshaw 2014; Whyte 2014).

While we welcome the use of case studies, it is expected that cases will be used to analyse the crimongenic-structure of the commodity trading market. Applicants should have a strong interest in developing advanced investigative research skills to facilitate this research. The successful applicant will be supported by a world-leading team of criminologists who are experts in transnational crime and offshore centres (Lasslett), environmental crime (Stanczak) and secrecy structures (Nugent-Stephens). The supervisors also have strong links to frontline NGOs involved in investigating commodity traders and advocating for reform.

Desirable Crieria - A Masters’ degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience.

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.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living