A detailed study of the technical, legal and socio-cultural complexities involved in communicating multi hazard early warning to jurisdictional agencies and response partners (Ref: IRISK-26-LU-02)

About the Project

Following the devastating coastal floods across South Asia in late 2025, the need for robust Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) has never been more urgent. While governance is recognized as the backbone of MHEWS sustainability, the "interface"—the critical handoff between upstream hazard detection and downstream emergency response—remains a poorly understood "black box" of jurisdictional and agency complexity. This PhD project investigates the governance arrangements governing this interface, aiming to bridge the gap between regional information providers and sub-national operational centers to enhance long-term disaster resilience.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Dilanthi Amaratunga d.amararunga@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
John Hillier

Entry requirements:
Applicants must already have, or expect to shortly graduate with, a very good undergraduate degree or Master’s degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) – or an equivalent international qualification from a high ranking university – in a relevant subject. EU and international applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:
The UKRI studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent international candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates.

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 9th June 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3.5 years, Part-time 7 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International