UNRISK Centre for Doctoral Training

UNRISK will train students with the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills across climate science, data science and decision science to tackle the pressing challenge of reducing the risks associated with rapid climate change.

As a PhD student in UNRISK you will benefit from:

• Exciting research projects at the University of Leeds, University College London and the University of Exeter aimed at improving climate change predictions, understanding its impacts, and providing the best possible information to improve decision-making.
• Training in skills and competencies sought by employers, including climate science, data science and decision science.
• Involvement of over thirty industry partners including climate prediction centres, consultancies, regulatory bodies and AI start-ups.
• A collaborative cohort approach working with and learning from other students tackling a common challenge.

UNRISK will fund over 45 PhD students in cohorts of 14-18 per year over three years, providing them tuition fees and a stipend for a period of 3 years 9 months which includes the expectation PhD students will undertake a placement and also take part in cohort based residential research events. Students receive £6000 individual research allowance (RTSG) plus £5000 (per student) cohort-level training, and access to a ‘Flexible Fund’ for special projects.

The first cohort of 14 students joined in October 2025.

The second cohort of 14 students joined in October 2026.

There will be one more round of recruitment for October 2027 and we expect around 18 students to join.

Version Control:

Page last updated: 6th Oct 2026

Details of amendments:

Oct 2026 – updates to recruitment and individual allowance

Jun 2025: Reference to ‘placement’ and ‘residential events’ added.