GCU
PhD position | MSCA Doctoral Network | SUPER | Readiness and desirable futures for sustainable sports and physical activity
✓ Fully Funded
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Artificial Intelligence
🎓 Cybernetics
🎓 Data Science
🎓 Environmental Sciences
🎓 Health Science
🎓 Sport & Exercise Science
sustainability
climate change
data science
MSCA
AI tools
behavioural science
futures studies
planetary health
policy analysis
scenario modelling
sports science
MSCA-funded PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University exploring sustainable futures for sports and physical activity. Combines data science, policy analysis, and climate scenario modelling to assess climate-ready interventions and long-term system change.
Project Description
This fully funded MSCA Doctoral Network PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University is part of the SUPER (Sustainable Sports and Physical Activity for Equity and Resilience) programme, funded under Horizon Europe.
The project investigates how sports and physical activity systems can adapt to climate change while contributing to mitigation and resilience. It focuses on building future scenarios for sustainable physical activity systems across 10–50 year horizons.
Key research objectives include:
Reviewing policy and practice across healthcare, education, and sports sectors
Identifying climate-ready interventions with co-benefits for physical activity
Linking sustainability actions to financial and policy data
Conducting future scenario modelling based on IPCC climate pathways
Analysing climate stress and strain indicators through literature and data analysis
The project integrates AI, data science, and policy analysis to explore desirable and plausible futures for sustainable sport and health systems.
The candidate will collaborate with a European consortium and undertake secondments in industry and partner institutions.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
Environmental Science
Data Science / AI
Sports Science
Health Science
Behavioural Science
Computer Science / ICT Engineering
Cybernetics or related disciplines
Strong programming skills (Python or R essential)
Experience in data analysis and policy analysis
Strong English communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desirable:
AI tool development experience
Data pipeline / systems knowledge
Ability to synthesize complex interdisciplinary data
MSCA Eligibility Rules:
✔ Must not already hold a PhD
✔ Must not have spent >12 months in UK in last 3 years (mobility rule applies)
✔ Must be available full-time from Oct 2026
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as:
Environmental Science
Data Science / AI
Sports Science
Health Science
Behavioural Science
Computer Science / ICT Engineering
Cybernetics or related disciplines
Strong programming skills (Python or R essential)
Experience in data analysis and policy analysis
Strong English communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Desirable:
AI tool development experience
Data pipeline / systems knowledge
Ability to synthesize complex interdisciplinary data
MSCA Eligibility Rules:
✔ Must not already hold a PhD
✔ Must not have spent >12 months in UK in last 3 years (mobility rule applies)
✔ Must be available full-time from Oct 2026
How to Apply
Apply via:
MyJobScotland portal (MSCA SUPER recruitment system)
Additional requirements:
Application form (including diversity monitoring form)
CV
Academic transcripts
References (as required by portal)
Contact:
Prof Sebastien Chastin (for project queries)
MyJobScotland portal (MSCA SUPER recruitment system)
Additional requirements:
Application form (including diversity monitoring form)
CV
Academic transcripts
References (as required by portal)
Contact:
Prof Sebastien Chastin (for project queries)
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
PS
Prof. Sebastien Chastin, Dr David Hamilton, Dr Karim Abu-Omar
Glasgow Caledonian University, Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network – SUPER
Related Opportunities
AUB
UNI
ULR
UOK