Waters rising again: The loss and reconnection of floodplains PhD

PhD with funding provided by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme.

Floodplains are naturally dynamic components of river systems that support diverse and productive ecological communities. However, human activities have caused many floodplains to become partially or completely disconnected from their rivers, resulting in numerous impacts to nature and society. Though, waters are beginning to rise again. Floodplains are being reconnected through initiatives like ecological restoration and nature-based solutions for flooding.

In this study, a PhD researcher will investigate the factors that influence the loss and, more recently, reconnection of floodplains. The project aims to determine how social, economic, political and environmental factors interact to drive hydrological, topographic and ecological changes that influence floodplain inundation frequency and extent.

The PhD researcher will have considerable flexibility in the design and implementation of the project, adjusting the focus based on their interests and the latest research findings. For example, the project could take a historical perspective and combine archival information (e.g. maps, documents, artwork) and environmental analyses (e.g. hydrological, GIS). Alternatively, the researcher could apply a theoretical framework appropriate for the social-hydro-ecological system and employ social science approaches and qualitative methods (e.g. interviews). In either case, we would encourage a forward-looking element to the research that places the new knowledge in the context of changing domestic and/or international policy.

The research project will likely involve fieldwork within the UK, and potentially internationally, to conduct surveys, interviews and/or questionnaires. There is the potential to collect new environmental data (e.g. water levels, vegetation cover), if the applicant is interested.

The PhD researcher will join a dynamic group of interdisciplinary researchers in the Cranfield Water Science Institute and the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which focuses on human-environment interactions in freshwater systems. They will benefit from a lively and supportive community that meets regularly through a variety of formal and informal events (e.g. fieldtrips, seminars, communities of practice meetings, reading groups). The knowledge, skills and experiences gained in this project will support careers in academia, environmental consultancy or environmental governance and management.

If you are passionate about the natural environment and want to support positive ecological change through research, please get in touch.

At a glance

• Application deadline: 04 Nov 2026
• Start date: 25 Jan 2027
• Duration of award: 4 year (full-time)

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski

2nd Supervisor: Dr Heather Smith

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The project would be ideal for a geographer, environmental scientist or social scientist interested in how humans perceive, interact and influence the natural environment. The successful applicant should be interested in conducting new interdisciplinary research on river-floodplain systems that draws on theoretical, quantitative and/or qualitative approaches. Ideally, they will have knowledge of river processes (hydrological, geomorphic and/or ecological). However, we welcome applicants from a range of disciplines and experiences, who have a passion for environmental research and strong written and oral communication skills, as we can complete existing strengths with targeted training. A willingness to undertake fieldwork and a full driving licence to facilitate it is desirable.

Funding

Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£21,805; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

Leverhulme Trust Programme funding

The Connected Waters Doctoral Programme is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The Doctoral scholarship provides funding for fees, bursary and research/training expenses for up to 4 years, starting by January 2027 at Cranfield University.

Eligibility requirements for Doctoral Scholarships

Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Robert Grabowski

Email: r.c.grabowski@cranfield.ac.uk

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit Applying for a research degree.

Funding Notes

Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£21,805; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.