Adapting for change: deliberative approaches to farm system climate adaptation in the Usk Valley

This PhD at the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire, focuses on farm system climate adaptation in the River Usk catchment. Collaborating with Welsh Government and UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, it aims to understand farmers' perceptions of climate change impacts and deliberate adaptation strategies at farm and catchment scales. Utilizing the 'Climate Fresk' serious game, adapted for farming contexts, the project integrates local tacit knowledge and climate data to co-produce actionable strategies for resilience. You will engage with farming communities, advisors, and stakeholders to gather participatory insights and develop a climate adaptation game. You will analyze qualitative data and catchment-level climate datasets, collaborate with non-academic partners, and contribute to policy-relevant knowledge transfer. The PhD includes a 3-month funded Research in Practice placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations. The project expects to produce robust, participatory adaptation strategies validated through the adapted climate fresk game. Findings will be shared with rural policy advisors and farming communities, enhancing understanding of climate adaptation and resilience benefits in agriculture. It also advances methodologies integrating formal and informal knowledge for sustainable farm system transition. This research addresses gaps in climate adaptation scholarship and policy by foregrounding farmer perspectives and localized knowledge within catchment-level approaches. It supports resilient agriculture in Wales amidst climate change and offers transferable tools to empower farming communities. The interdisciplinary, collaborative nature promotes effective climate action at multiple scales.

Applicants must have qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK honours degree at first or upper second-class level, or a masters. Backgrounds in social sciences such as rural studies, environmental management, sociology, or human geography are welcomed. Non-traditional academic backgrounds are also considered.

Submit all required documents to Chris Rayfield (crayfield@glos.ac.uk) with the subject line '2022-072-04 Application' by midnight on 6 May 2026. Include
(1) covering letter (max 2 pages) addressed to Prof Damian Maye, naming the collaborative studentship; (2) completed WGSSS Application Form;
(3) academic CV (max 2 pages)
(4) 2 academic or professional references detailing research strengths — candidates must approach referees themselves;
(5) degree certificates and transcripts (with translations if applicable);
(6) proof of English Language Competency if relevant. Interviews expected 14 May 2026. Successful applicants notified by end of May 2026. Informal enquiries: dmaye@glos.ac.uk.