About the Project
The geopolitical and geo-economic shifts we are experiencing have stress-tested the national security and resilience of the United Kingdom. The consequences of EU Exit, COVID-19, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other events of national importance, have coalesced around three global challenges that will shape the future direction of our economy and society; energy security, climate change and cyber security. Our world is characterised by high degrees of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA); this context means that emergencies will be much greater in frequency and are likely to have far reaching consequences for our national economy. It is therefore essential for the UK to ensure adopt a sophisticated and nuanced approach to our understanding and communication of risk.
If we are to enhance resilience and security through improved risk management, it follows that the doctrine of ‘prevention rather than cure’ should guide policy wherever possible. However, the intractable problem of recognising and quantifying the value of good risk management is omnipresent. We believe that risk management is the antecedent to a robust resilience system; it is the glue which connects central government, the devolved administrations, local authorities, and the private and third sectors.
Risk intelligence is crucial to effective decision-making, this is particularly important in the context of emergency and crisis situations that require government to adopt a radically different ‘operating rhythm’ and where decisions and actions occur at pace. In response, the ‘Government Risk Profession’ was launched in 2021 to advance professionalism, effectiveness and efficiency in the way risk is managed.
It is clear that a socio-technical systems approach that recognises resilience as an interacting set of sub-systems at both social and technical levels is crucial to adopting a human-centred approach that aligns will the Integrated Reviews’ recognition of the ‘professionalism and commitment of the people who contribute to our resilience’.
SALIENT
SALIENT is a UKRI funded 5-year ‘research and co-ordination hub’ and will deliver internationally significant and transformative research that supports the UK’s efforts to build a secure and resilient world. SALIENT will contribute to the national conversation on national security and resilience through impactful, methodologically rigorous, and accessible research that informs policy making at all levels and complements wider UKRI Building a Secure and Resilient World (BSRW) investments.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of a University of Manchester academic in the School of Engineering, and in collaboration with relevant SALIENT co-investigators at the universities of Bath, Sussex, Exeter and our international partners at The British University in Dubai. The specific focus of academic enquiry will fall into one of five BSRW ‘sub-themes:
1. Global order in a time of change
2. Technologies for resilience, security, and defence
3. Resilient and secure supply chains
4. Behavioural and cultural resilience
5. Strengthening resilience in natural and built environments
The specific focus of academic inquiry will be determined in discussion with the successful candidate
Eligibility
Applications are welcome candidates with ‘non-traditional’ qualifications, who possess substantial experience of professional practice in a setting that is complementary to the aims of the SALIENT programme. The studentship is open to UK nationals ONLY, and we encourage applications from mid-to-late career individuals. Candidates will be required to successfully complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) assessment.
Funding
This studentship is fully-funded at the prevailing UKRI rates (£19,237 for 2024/25), for full-time home students. For applicants wishing to undertake part-time studies alongside an existing career, alternative arrangements may be implemented. Tuition fees are waved at the prevailing rate for UK nationals. The annual stipend is tax free (depending on circumstances).
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Supporting Documents
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
EDI
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Questions?
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
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