125th Anniversary PhD Scholarship in Economics - PhD Project: Climate change, Geopolitical Tensions and Food Security in Europe

About the project

The European agricultural sector is facing growing pressure from economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, which threaten food security, farmer livelihoods, and social stability. Recent farmer protests across Europe reflect concerns over rising costs and stricter environmental regulations, as well as fears of losing international competitiveness due to reforms in the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the UK's Agricultural Transition Plan (UK-ATP). At the same time, the sector is under increasing scrutiny for its significant greenhouse gas emissions and impact on biodiversity, as governments push for sustainable practices to meet Net-Zero targets. However, these environmental pressures come as climate change and biodiversity loss themselves pose direct threats to agriculture, worsening food insecurity. The situation is further destabilised by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, which has disrupted global food supply chains, increased production costs, and exacerbated Europe’s cost-of-living crisis, revealing the continent’s heavy reliance on imported agricultural inputs like fertilizers and animal feed. These interconnected challenges highlight the delicate balance between sustainability, economic resilience, and food security in shaping the future of European agriculture.

The PhD student will examine the links between environmental policies, climate change, and geopolitical events and their impact on food security in Europe. The research will use quantitative methods to assess how agricultural policies, such as the CAP and UK-ATP, influence farm productivity, production costs, and market competitiveness. It will also evaluate the effects of climate change on food security, analysing how extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns disrupt domestic food production, trade, and system resilience. Additionally, the study will explore the impact of geopolitical events, using the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a case study to understand how global crises affect supply chains, production costs, and farmers' livelihoods. The project will develop expertise in policy analysis, climate risk assessment, and geopolitical economic impacts, contributing to strategies that enhance food security and economic resilience in Europe.

The PhD student will be based in the Department of Economics and jointly supervised by Dr Allan Beltran, Dr Sami Bensassi, and Dr Liza Jabbour. The programme will have a duration of 3.5-years starting in September 2025, and students must successfully complete compulsory advanced-level modules in their first semester, including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Research Methods.

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Who can apply?

These scholarships are designed to create opportunities and address the underrepresentation of talented Black or Black mixed heritage students in academia. Applicants who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply:

1. Students classified as 'Home' for tuition fee payments
2. Members of one of the following ethnic groups:

• Black African
• Black Caribbean
• Black Other
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
• Mixed – White and Black African
• Other mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or Black Other)

     3. Not already enrolled on a PhD programme at the University of Birmingham

What does the scholarship provide?

1. Financial Support: Recipients of these scholarships will receive substantial financial support, including a stipend at UKRI rates, which is set at £20,780 per year for the 2025/26 academic year, and will be paid to you in regular instalments. Successful awardees will also have their tuition fees covered at a minimum of £5,006 per year. This support is designed to alleviate the financial burden often associated with pursuing a doctoral degree, such as covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Scholarship recipients will benefit from mentorship opportunities and guidance from accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to helping them succeed in their academic and research endeavours.
3. Research Opportunities: We are committed to providing an exceptional research environment. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge resources, and a vibrant scholarly community.
4. Community Building: A key component of the scholarship programme is the creation of a supportive community of Black British researchers pursuing PhDs. This network will foster collaboration and peer support among scholars.
5. Research Training Support Grant: In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will receive a research training support grant at £2,250 across the duration of the PhD. This grant is intended to support conference attendance, fieldwork, and other essential activities that enhance their research and academic growth.
6. Commitment to Inclusivity: We are dedicated to building an inclusive academic environment that values diversity and ensures equitable access to education.