Citizen Science Across Domains: Participation, Knowledge Exchange and Policy Impact for Freshwater, Biodiversity and Tree Health

This PhD examines the role of citizen science in environmental monitoring and public engagement across three domains: freshwater, biodiversity, and tree health. It explores participation dynamics, knowledge production, and how policymakers and practitioners use citizen-generated data. The project addresses tensions between inclusive participation and data quality requirements and applies qualitative, place-based research methods, supported by collaboration with policy and industry partners. You will conduct in-depth case studies using interviews, focus groups, workshops, participant observation, and desk-based research. There is scope to use novel participatory methods and survey work. You will engage with a collaborative supervisory team and stakeholders including Defra, Natural Resource Wales, Southern Water, and Rivers Trust, and may complete a placement with a partner organisation. This research aims to produce a distinctive, theoretically informed, and student-led contribution to understanding citizen science’s social and policy role. It seeks insights into participation, data credibility, and pathways from citizen science to policy impacts, facilitating knowledge exchange between environmental domains. citizen science helps bridge value-action gaps, supporting environmental protection and wellbeing while addressing eco-anxiety. Understanding its operation across diverse domains informs governance and policy decisions, improving data use in environmental management and fostering inclusive community engagement.

Qualifications or experience equivalent to a UK first or upper second-class honours degree or a master's. Non-traditional academic backgrounds are welcomed. Applicants should meet WGSSS eligibility criteria.

Contact Dr Charlotte-Anne Chivers at cchivers@glos.ac.uk for more information and apply via the University of Gloucestershire's research studentship application process.