Loneliness, connection, and the role of mobility in a changing world

About the Project

Loneliness is fast becoming one of the most urgent social and public-health challenges, yet mobility is rarely discussed in this discourse. Transport is more than movement: it enables us to meet, to belong, to maintain relationships. Simultaneously, evolving social practices — such as coordinating with online communities, hybrid digital/in-person meetup groups, or remote social networks — are shifting how, when, and why people travel. How do mobility constraints (e.g. lack of access to public transport or long travel times) reduce opportunities for face-to-face interaction, and how do emerging social norms influence decisions about whether to travel, how far, or by which mode?

This PhD gives you the chance to probe the feedback loop between mobility and social wellbeing. You will examine both directions: how limited mobility may exacerbate social isolation (for instance, skipping in-person catchups or community events), and how novel forms of interaction — such as engaging in virtual communities or arranging social gatherings only when convenient — influence travel demand, spatial patterns, and behavioural norms. The project can be tailored to focus on groups of interest (young adults, older citizens, mobility-constrained populations) or settings such as neighbourhoods, town centres, or digital-physical interface zones.

On the methods side, you will blend behavioural inquiry with rigorous modelling. You might design and administer surveys using validated scales for social connectedness and wellbeing, and apply analytical methods (e.g. multilevel models, structural equation models) to untangle links between travel frequency, mode choice, accessibility, and wellbeing. Qualitative case studies or interviews (e.g. with individuals who depend heavily on virtual social networks) may enrich the findings and bring lived experience into sharper focus. This mixed approach ensures you gain both technical modelling skills and contextual insight.

Beyond theoretical advancement, this work has tangible social value. It reframes transport as a kind of social infrastructure — not just enabling movement but enabling connection, mitigating isolation, and fostering wellbeing. The findings can inform planners, policymakers, and community organisations in creating transport systems that support more connected, resilient, and adaptive societies amid evolving social norms.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.2) ideally in Transport studies / transport planning, Geography (human or transport focus) Urban planning / built environment with a good fundamental knowledge of the understanding of transport and mobility concepts (e.g. accessibility, travel behaviour, or urban mobility).

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted.Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Awareness of debates around wellbeing, social inclusion, or quality of life
• Familiarity with core research methods in the social sciences (such as survey design, data analysis, or qualitative techniques)
• Interest in interdisciplinary approaches connecting transport, mobility, and social wellbeing
• Capacity to think critically about evidence, theories, and methods
• Ability to analyse and interpret empirical data (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for academic and wider audiences
• Ability to work independently in planning and carrying out research activities

Desirable attributes:

• Experience with statistical software (R, Stata, SPSS, or Python)
• Familiarity with wellbeing or psychosocial measurement tools (e.g. loneliness scales, quality of life indicators)
• Experience with qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or thematic coding
• Interest in engaging with community groups, local authorities, or policy stakeholders

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Dr Achille Fonzone - a.fonzone@napier.ac.uk