Project Lead: Dr Ronan McDermott (ronan.mcdermott@ucd.ie)
Deadline: Thursday, 7th November 2024

The Centre for Humanitarian Action (UCD CHA) at University College Dublin’s School of Agriculture and
Food Science is pleased to offer a fully funded Ad Astra doctoral scholarship on a subject related
to the intersection of governance and the fields of disaster risk reduction and/or climate
adaptation. Research areas may include vulnerability and risk assessment, stakeholder risk perception, and the role of government and humanitarian actors in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. This scholarship supports interdisciplinary projects that incorporate substantial empirical research.

The UCD CHA provides a collaborative, global-focused environment with strong partnerships, especially with Global South collaborators, addressing critical humanitarian issues like crisis resilience, localized aid, and gender-based violence. Researchers will engage in impactful projects that contribute to sustainable, locally-driven solutions to pressing global challenges. Further details can be found on our website.

The successful candidate will undertake a PhD at UCD Centre for Humanitarian Action under the
supervision of Dr Ronan McDermott, starting in January 2025.
The scholarship will provide:

  • Tuition fees at up to the non-EU rate;
  • A yearly stipend of €22,000; and
  • An annual research budget of €4,000 for research-related expenses such as data collection,
    attending conferences, etc.
    The scholarship is tenable for a maximum of four years, renewable each year subject to satisfactory
    progress. The scholarship is available on a full-time basis only.
    Application process:
    Applications should be sent to Dr Ronan McDermott (ronan.mcdermott@ucd.ie) by end of day 7
    th
    November 2024 with the subject line “Ad Astra Doctoral Scholarship Application” and the
    candidate’s name.
    Applications should include the following documents in PDF format:
  • A cover letter (one page maximum) stating the reasons for interest in the scholarship and topic
    area;
  • A short research proposal (1,000-1,500 words maximum) which should include: a statement of
    your proposed focus area within the broader theme of disaster risk reduction/climate
    adaptation; a brief literature review that points to work on which the proposed focus could
    build; and a brief discussion of the proposed methodology;
  • Copies of all academic transcripts. If you are currently in a Master’s programme and do not
    have your final result, all transcripts to date need to be included;
  • CV or resume;
  • The names and contact details for two academic references; and
  • Evidence of English language competence (where non-native English-speaking applicants have
    NOT obtained previous university degrees from a university in an English-speaking country).
    Click on the link below for further details: English Language Requirements
    The submission of original academic transcripts and other documentation will be required as a
    condition of the final award of a place on the programme.
    You may also be requested to conduct a personal or online interview as part of the application process.
    Specific questions concerning the doctoral scholarship and application process can be addressed to
    Dr Ronan McDermott.