{"id":64853,"date":"2025-10-18T17:54:49","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T17:54:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=64853"},"modified":"2025-10-18T17:54:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T17:54:49","slug":"beyond-green-a-community-led-phd-project-on-sustainable-and-resilient-urban-nature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=64853","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Green: A Community-Led PhD Project on Sustainable and Resilient Urban Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"92\">The <em data-start=\"113\" data-end=\"127\">Beyond Green<\/em> PhD project addresses Nottingham\u2019s post-2023 sustainability challenges, focusing on the Central Library and nearby urban green spaces as models for community-led environmental engagement. Through co-design with library users and Nottingham College learners, the project will develop and test an innovative <strong data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"482\">outdoor and place-based education curriculum<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"483\" data-end=\"486\" data-is-only-node=\"\" \/>This collaborative research between the <strong data-start=\"526\" data-end=\"554\">University of Nottingham<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"587\">Nottingham Trent University<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"593\" data-end=\"606\">GrowNotts<\/strong> supports the city\u2019s ambitious goal of becoming <strong data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"687\">carbon neutral by 2028 (CN28)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"157\">Collaboratory 2026 PhD Project \u2013 University of Nottingham<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"374\"><strong data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"184\">Application Deadline:<\/strong> 11:59pm, 30th November 2025<br data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"215\" \/><strong data-start=\"215\" data-end=\"230\">Start Date:<\/strong> Wednesday, 1st April 2026<br data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"259\" \/><strong data-start=\"259\" data-end=\"279\">Host University:<\/strong> <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nottingham.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"337\">University of Nottingham<\/a><br data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"340\" \/><strong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"362\">School\/Department:<\/strong> Education<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"376\" data-end=\"379\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"381\" data-end=\"405\">Funding and Details<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"794\">\n<li data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"498\">\n<p data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"498\"><strong data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"426\">Tuition Fees:<\/strong> Fully covered (approx. \u00a315,000\u2013\u00a317,000 across the full PhD programme)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"499\" data-end=\"554\">\n<p data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"554\"><strong data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"513\">Stipend:<\/strong> \u00a320,780 per annum (pro rata, tax-free)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"617\">\n<p data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"617\"><strong data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"575\">Working Hours:<\/strong> Full-time (minimum 37.5 hours per week)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"794\">\n<p data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"794\"><strong data-start=\"620\" data-end=\"638\">Working Style:<\/strong> Primarily in-person at the University of Nottingham. Flexible working is supported, and the working pattern will be agreed upon with the lead supervisor.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"796\" data-end=\"799\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"822\">Project Overview<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"1228\">In 2019, <strong data-start=\"833\" data-end=\"860\">Nottingham City Council<\/strong> declared a <em data-start=\"872\" data-end=\"906\">climate and ecological emergency<\/em>, setting the ambitious goal of becoming the <strong data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"1000\">UK\u2019s first carbon-neutral city by 2028 (CN28)<\/strong>. As part of this mission, the redevelopment of urban green spaces\u2014such as the Broadmarsh site (<em data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1109\">Green Heart<\/em> and surrounding areas)\u2014was identified as essential for promoting environmental engagement and community development.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1230\" data-end=\"1549\">However, following the 2023 financial crisis, which led the Council to declare effective bankruptcy, serious questions have emerged about the sustainability of these green spaces. Without long-term frameworks for community ownership and engagement, these areas risk underuse, neglect, and increasing social exclusion.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1551\" data-end=\"1795\">The <strong data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1583\">Beyond Green PhD project<\/strong> responds to these challenges by focusing on <strong data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1658\">Nottingham Central Library<\/strong> and nearby <strong data-start=\"1670\" data-end=\"1694\">urban green ventures<\/strong> as a testing ground for innovative approaches to environmental education and community engagement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"2057\">Rather than addressing \u201cthe community\u201d in broad terms, the research will work directly with defined groups\u2014<strong data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"1921\">library users<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"1926\" data-end=\"1957\">Nottingham College learners<\/strong>\u2014to <strong data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1997\">co-design, deliver, and evaluate<\/strong> a pilot curriculum for outdoor and place-based education.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2293\">This project is a collaborative effort between researchers from the <strong data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2155\">University of Nottingham<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2188\">Nottingham Trent University<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"2194\" data-end=\"2207\">GrowNotts<\/strong>. The successful PhD candidate will be <strong data-start=\"2246\" data-end=\"2290\">enrolled at the University of Nottingham<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2298\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2300\" data-end=\"2324\">Project Supervisors<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2630\">\n<li data-start=\"2326\" data-end=\"2438\">\n<p data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2438\"><strong data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2357\">Lead Academic Supervisor:<\/strong> Dr Francesca Salvi \u2013 University of Nottingham<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2439\" data-end=\"2546\">\n<p data-start=\"2441\" data-end=\"2546\"><strong data-start=\"2441\" data-end=\"2468\">Academic Co-Supervisor:<\/strong> Dr Ana Souto Galvan \u2013 Nottingham Trent University<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2547\" data-end=\"2630\">\n<p data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2630\"><strong data-start=\"2549\" data-end=\"2574\">Community Supervisor:<\/strong> Jack Harris \u2013 GrowNotts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2635\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2637\" data-end=\"2654\">Project Aims<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2656\" data-end=\"2700\">The main objectives of <em data-start=\"2679\" data-end=\"2693\">Beyond Green<\/em> are:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2702\" data-end=\"3430\">\n<li data-start=\"2702\" data-end=\"2948\">\n<p data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2948\"><strong data-start=\"2705\" data-end=\"2746\">To co-develop a partnership framework<\/strong> between Universities for Nottingham, Nottingham Central Library, Nottingham College, and selected urban green initiatives\u2014clarifying roles, shared aims, and collaboration models for outdoor learning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2949\" data-end=\"3172\">\n<p data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"3172\"><strong data-start=\"2952\" data-end=\"2998\">To design and implement a pilot curriculum<\/strong> for outdoor and place-based education tailored to Nottingham Central Library users, with a focus on young people, adult learners, families, or another defined demographic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3173\" data-end=\"3430\">\n<p data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3227\"><strong data-start=\"3176\" data-end=\"3213\">To evaluate the pilot in practice<\/strong>, examining:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3231\" data-end=\"3430\">\n<li data-start=\"3231\" data-end=\"3268\">\n<p data-start=\"3233\" data-end=\"3268\">Learner experiences and outcomes;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3272\" data-end=\"3344\">\n<p data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3344\">Contributions to wellbeing, belonging, and environmental engagement;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3430\">\n<p data-start=\"3350\" data-end=\"3430\">The sustainability and scalability of such partnerships for urban communities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr data-start=\"3432\" data-end=\"3435\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3437\" data-end=\"3459\">Core Competencies<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"3461\" data-end=\"3495\">Comprehension and Evaluation<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3809\">\n<li data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3559\">\n<p data-start=\"3498\" data-end=\"3559\">Strong understanding of the project and its subject matter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3560\" data-end=\"3612\">\n<p data-start=\"3562\" data-end=\"3612\">Analytical and detail-oriented research mindset.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3676\">\n<p data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3676\">Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and precisely.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3677\" data-end=\"3742\">\n<p data-start=\"3679\" data-end=\"3742\">Capacity to identify patterns, gaps, and connections in data.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3743\" data-end=\"3809\">\n<p data-start=\"3745\" data-end=\"3809\">Logical and empathetic interpretation of data and information.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"3811\" data-end=\"3844\">Social and Emotional Skills<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"4123\">\n<li data-start=\"3845\" data-end=\"3898\">\n<p data-start=\"3847\" data-end=\"3898\">Resilience and adaptability in changing contexts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"3949\">\n<p data-start=\"3901\" data-end=\"3949\">Constructive problem-solving and perseverance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3950\" data-end=\"4005\">\n<p data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"4005\">Passion for learning and curiosity-driven research.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4059\">\n<p data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4059\">Commitment to making a positive community impact.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4060\" data-end=\"4123\">\n<p data-start=\"4062\" data-end=\"4123\">Deep engagement with academic theory and critical thinking.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4125\" data-end=\"4169\">Preparedness and Potential for Success<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4170\" data-end=\"4452\">\n<li data-start=\"4170\" data-end=\"4225\">\n<p data-start=\"4172\" data-end=\"4225\">Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4226\" data-end=\"4281\">\n<p data-start=\"4228\" data-end=\"4281\">Self-motivation and capacity to work independently.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4282\" data-end=\"4335\">\n<p data-start=\"4284\" data-end=\"4335\">Strong organisational and time-management skills.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4336\" data-end=\"4390\">\n<p data-start=\"4338\" data-end=\"4390\">Problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4452\">\n<p data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4452\">Willingness to develop technical and professional skills.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"4454\" data-end=\"4477\">Community Context<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"4478\" data-end=\"4745\">\n<li data-start=\"4478\" data-end=\"4529\">\n<p data-start=\"4480\" data-end=\"4529\">Genuine interest in community-engaged research.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4530\" data-end=\"4603\">\n<p data-start=\"4532\" data-end=\"4603\">Understanding the importance of diverse experiences and perspectives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4604\" data-end=\"4665\">\n<p data-start=\"4606\" data-end=\"4665\">Appreciation for community insight in knowledge creation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4666\" data-end=\"4745\">\n<p data-start=\"4668\" data-end=\"4745\">Awareness of societal issues related to urban sustainability and inclusion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4747\" data-end=\"4750\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4752\" data-end=\"4786\">Project-Specific Competencies<\/h2>\n<div class=\"_tableContainer_1rjym_1\">\n<div class=\"group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse\">\n<table class=\"w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)\" data-start=\"4788\" data-end=\"5460\">\n<thead data-start=\"4788\" data-end=\"4821\">\n<tr data-start=\"4788\" data-end=\"4821\">\n<th data-start=\"4788\" data-end=\"4804\" data-col-size=\"md\"><strong data-start=\"4790\" data-end=\"4803\">Essential<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"4804\" data-end=\"4821\" data-col-size=\"md\"><strong data-start=\"4806\" data-end=\"4819\">Desirable<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"4858\" data-end=\"5460\">\n<tr data-start=\"4858\" data-end=\"5047\">\n<td data-start=\"4858\" data-end=\"4959\" data-col-size=\"md\">Ability to explain the value and contribution of the research to both knowledge and beneficiaries.<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"4959\" data-end=\"5047\" data-col-size=\"md\">Willingness to ask challenging \u201cwhy\u201d questions about the topic and research process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5048\" data-end=\"5176\">\n<td data-start=\"5048\" data-end=\"5107\" data-col-size=\"md\">Capacity to tailor communication to different audiences.<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5176\" data-col-size=\"md\">Adaptability in response to change and new research developments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5177\" data-end=\"5315\">\n<td data-start=\"5177\" data-end=\"5263\" data-col-size=\"md\">Strong organisational skills, with flexibility to adjust goals as new ideas emerge.<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5263\" data-end=\"5315\" data-col-size=\"md\">Initiative to propose constructive improvements.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"5316\" data-end=\"5460\">\n<td data-start=\"5316\" data-end=\"5380\" data-col-size=\"md\">Respect for diverse viewpoints and fairness in collaboration.<\/td>\n<td data-start=\"5380\" data-end=\"5460\" data-col-size=\"md\">Enthusiasm to contribute to debates and research conversations in the field.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"5462\" data-end=\"5465\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5467\" data-end=\"5484\">How to Apply<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5486\" data-end=\"5622\">Interested candidates can <a href=\"https:\/\/collaboratoryresearchhub.ac.uk\/developing-a-sustainable-and-resilient-model\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">apply here<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5624\" data-end=\"5712\"><strong data-start=\"5624\" data-end=\"5637\">Deadline:<\/strong> 11:59pm (UK time), 30th November 2025.<br data-start=\"5676\" data-end=\"5679\" \/><strong data-start=\"5679\" data-end=\"5694\">Start Date:<\/strong> 1st April 2026.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5714\" data-end=\"5857\">Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a formal <strong data-start=\"5789\" data-end=\"5829\">Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)<\/strong> check before appointment.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5862\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"5935\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"5864\" data-end=\"5889\">For more opportunities:<\/strong><br data-start=\"5889\" data-end=\"5892\" \/><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5892\" data-end=\"5935\" data-is-last-node=\"\">click here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Beyond Green PhD project addresses Nottingham\u2019s post-2023 sustainability challenges, focusing on the Central Library and nearby urban green spaces as models for community-led environmental engagement. Through co-design with library users and Nottingham College learners, the project will develop and test an innovative outdoor and place-based education curriculum.This collaborative research between the University of Nottingham,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64862,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,28,29,33,38,34,42],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-64853","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-america","9":"category-asia","10":"category-australia-and-oceania","11":"category-europe","12":"category-fellowship","13":"category-latin-america-and-the-caribbean","14":"category-phd","15":"article","16":"","18":"has-excerpt","19":"has-avatar","20":"has-author","21":"has-nickname","22":"has-date","23":"has-comment-count","24":"has-category-meta","25":"has-read-more","26":"has-title","27":"has-post-media","28":"thumbnail-","29":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64853"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64853\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64862"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}