About the Project
Project Description
Scholars of China have long studied the rise and fall of dynasties over the past 3000 years. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the roles of climate change, environmental degradation, natural disasters, food security, and famine relief in dynastic change. However, few studies have systematically linked weather and climate data to these historical processes. Research on the fall of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) has largely relied on qualitative evidence. This project will…
integrate historical weather records and climate reconstructions with historical analysis to quantify the relationship between climate variability and social and political change during the Qing period.
Objectives
This project will develop a novel approach to mapping weather and climate data against historical events. Focusing on the Qing dynasty, it will investigate how environmental conditions influenced food security, migration, social unrest, and political stability. The late Qing period (1842–1911) is particularly valuable because it coincided with growing foreign encroachment and the introduction of Western meteorological observations. As a result, instrumental weather records became increasingly available in treaty port cities and foreign-controlled territories, creating a rich but underutilized source of information. The project may focus on a specific region or period within either the early Qing (1644–1842) or the late Qing era, providing flexibility while addressing a significant gap in both historical and climate scholarship.
Methods
The project combines methods from climate science and history. Historical weather and climate records are available in printed compilations, archival collections, and digital datasets. Key sources include the Second Historical Archives of China in Nanjing, Academia Sinica in Taiwan, provincial gazetteers, the Imperial Maritime Customs archives, diplomatic reports, missionary journals, memoirs, and newspapers such as the North China Herald. These materials will be integrated with datasets such as the REACHES climate database, derived from the Compendium of Meteorological Records of China in the Last 3000 Years, and the Last Millennium Climate Reanalysis. Statistical analyses, climate reconstructions, GIS, and historical interpretation will be used to identify relationships between environmental variability and societal change.
Potential Outcomes
The project will make significant contributions to both climate science and Chinese history. By combining meteorological observations, climate reconstructions, and historical records, it will provide the first systematic assessment of how environmental conditions affected Qing society. The research will generate new quantitative evidence for evaluating the role of weather and climate in historical change and develop an interdisciplinary framework applicable to other regions and periods. Findings will contribute to debates on climate vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation while producing high-quality publications in both environmental science and history.
Support and Training
The student will be jointly supervised by specialists in meteorology, climate science, and Chinese history. Training will include climate-data analysis, statistical methods, GIS, data visualization, archival research, source analysis, and digital humanities approaches. Participation in seminars, workshops, and doctoral training programmes across both faculties will provide broad interdisciplinary development and professional research skills.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Earth science, Environmental Science, Climate Science, History, or another discipline that would indicate suitability for the proposed research (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in Earth science, Environmental Science, Climate Science, History, or another discipline that would indicate suitability for the proposed research (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in analysis of weather and climate data or historical archives is desirable.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.