A socio-economic impact evaluation on wellbeing and community dynamics of Offshore Wind Farms in the United Kingdom

About the Project

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The project is sponsored by industry partner, the Crown Estate of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The successful applicant will undertake six-month of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at Loughborough University, with opportunity for a period spent at the Crown Estate headquarters in London.

Offshore wind farms are a key driver in the transition to clean energy, bringing substantial environmental and economic benefits. Their development can influence the well-being and social dynamics of nearby communities in various ways, requiring a thoughtful and inclusive approach to maximise positive outcomes. During the construction phase, temporary changes may affect daily life in coastal areas. However, with careful planning and community engagement, these disruptions can be managed effectively, ensuring minimal impact on residents. Over the long term, offshore wind farms can contribute to economic growth by creating jobs, attracting investment, and enhancing local infrastructure. They provide opportunities for workforce development and skill-building in emerging industries, fostering resilience in regional economies. Beyond economic aspects, offshore wind farms can bring social and cultural shifts. While some traditional coastal activities may need to adapt to new surroundings, the presence of renewable energy projects can also inspire innovation, promote environmental awarness, and strengthen local identity and belonging. Collaborative initiatives, such as community benefit programs and educational partnerships, can help integrate wind energy into the cultural fabric of coastal areas, creating a shared sense of progress and sustainability. This PhD research will address these challenges through a robust analysis of offshore wind farms’ influence on quality of life, social cohesion, and economic resilience.

Supervisors

1. Dr Simona Rasciute, Loughborough University, S.Rasciute@lboro.ac.uk
2. Dr Anna Rita Bennato, Loughborough University
3. Dr Ali Moghaddasi-Kelishomi, Loughborough University
4. Gabriella Gilkes, The Crown Estate

Training & Skills

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

The successful candidate will develop expertise in behavioural economics, econometrics, and advanced data analysis tools, preparing them for impactful careers across academia, consulting, government, and beyond. You will develop a wide range of numerical modelling and programming skills that will provide excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry. You will be provided with the opportunity to acquire skills and expertise in software such as Stata and Matlab or Python.

Entry Requirements

If you have received a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or the international equivalents) in economics, energy economics, environmental science or related fields, we would like to hear from you. Strong analytical, quantitative and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential.

If your first language is not English, or you require Tier 4 student visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency level that meets the requirements of the Aura CDT’s academic partners. This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each skill.

Guaranteed interview scheme

The CDT is committed to generating a diverse and inclusive training programme and is looking to attract applicants from all backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for home fee status candidates who identify as Black or Black mixed or Asian or Asian mixed if they meet the programme entry requirements. This positive action is to support recruitment of these under-represented ethnic groups to our programme and is an opt in process. Find out more.

How to apply

Applications to the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience are made to the University where the PhD project is based. You will find full instructions and links on the CDT website.

Applications for September 2026 entry will be considered on a rolling basis and applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview as applications are received.

As offers may be made before all applications are reviewed, early application is strongly encouraged.

Funding Notes

The Offshore Wind CDT is funded by EPSRC, allowing us to provide scholarships for Home students that cover fees plus a stipend set at the UKRI nationally agreed rates, circa £20,780 per annum at 2025/26 rates (subject to progress).