Supervised by Dr. Yuli Shan, Dr. Zongbo Shi, Dr. Suzanne Bartington, together with Birmingham City Council.
To apply for this studentship, please submit your application using this link
Project description:
This PhD project aims to investigate how changes in travel modes can contribute to achieving net-zero emissions in urban transport. Specifically, it will assess global urban transport policy implementations and integrate these insights into the context of Birmingham, identifying policy opportunities to foster behavioural change in use of transport modes through a systematic review. A questionnaire survey will be conducted among key population sub-groups in Birmingham to identify the factors influencing individuals’ adoption of low-carbon travel modes. The resulting dataset will be analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to quantify the relationships between these factors and uncover both direct and indirect pathways affecting behaviours. Additionally, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmentally Extended Multi-Regional Input-Output (EE-MRIO) models will be employed to calculate the carbon footprints of various low-carbon travel modes and further explore the emission reduction potential within the UK’s urban transport sector, considering the effects of supply chains. We highly appreciate comparative analysis in other cities (e.g., Beijing, Jakarta, Amsterdam), enhancing the understanding of how to decarbonize urban transport across diverse urban contexts.
About our team:
The candidate will be based at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The supervisory team includes experts from both the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Council. A broad range of training and professional development opportunities will be provided to ensure you get the most out of your PhD experience. Furthermore, we will support you in publishing your results in academic journals and conducting public engagement activities. Dr Yuli Shan (1st supervisor) is an expert in carbon emissions accounting, known for creating transparent, multi-scale emission inventories and uncovering emission inequalities. His work has appeared in over 170 papers, including about 30 in Nature and Science entiled journals, and he co-founded the widely used CEADs.net dataset. He is a Global Highly Cited Researcher, IPCC contributing author, and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Prof. Zongbo Shi (2nd supervisor) leads research on atmospheric chemistry and its interaction with ecosystems, focusing on aerosol emissions, air quality interventions,
and transport decarbonisation. He has developed innovative methods to evaluate the health and environmental impacts of clean air policies. Dr Suzanne Bartington (3rd supervisor) conducts interdisciplinary research on air quality, climate, and health, with a focus on transport decarbonisation. She leads major UK clean air programmes and develops tools to assess the health and economic benefits of environmental interventions.
Sally James (collaborative partner) leads the update of Birmingham’s Clean Air Strategy, using research and behavioural insights to drive cross-sector collaboration. Her work supports data-driven, accessible solutions aligned with the city’s goals on climate, health, and sustainability.
Eligibility:
· We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a bachelor’s degree of 1st class or 2:1 equivalent degree (the standard UK grading system). A postgraduate master’s degree of distinction would be an advantages, especially in the fields of Geography and Climate Change, Management Science, Environmental Science, Health sciences or related disciplines.
· The ideal candidate will possess strong statistical and analytical skills (as mentioned above) and excellent English communication abilities. He/she should also demonstrate the ability to assess datasets, use resources efficiently, and clearly convey complex information.
· Previous experience with decarbonization in the transport sector, LCA, EE-MRIO models, sampling design, and emerging cities including working with stakeholders would be desirable.
· Previous experience of collecting primary qualitative data collection (including questionnaire design) and data analysis is desirable.
· Experience of working with underrepresented groups, including socially disadvantaged populations and minoritised ethnic groups is desirable.
· A good publication record, showcasing the candidate’s ability to produce impactful research.
Informal enquiries about the project prior to application can be directed to Dr Yuli Shan (y.shan@bham.ac.uk).