The STEPS Centre is delighted to offer PhD training in association with the Sussex ESRC Doctoral Training Centre, one of a network of 21 Doctoral Training Centres in the UK, set up by the Economic and Social Research Council to support the development and research training of postgraduate researchers.

A grant of more than £3.5million from the ESRC together with further funding from the University enables the Centre to provide 22 studentships each year for social science research.

Innovation and Sustainability: Management and Policy 

The STEPS Centre’s researchers are involved with the Innovation and Sustainability DTC pathway, which is aligned with STEPS’ co-host institution SPRU – Science Policy Research Unit and led by Prof Ed Steinmueller.

Research students collaborate with a diverse cross-section of government, business, and third sector organisations on issues of:

• policy and management in the transition to more sustainable use of energy:
• reducing the human footprint on the environment
• establishing and renewing enterprises that create wealth or contribute to social well-being
• seizing opportunities emerging from the Internet and other information and communication technologies
• regulating technological risks ranging from the food that we eat to the potential dual uses of chemical and biological technologies

Research training is organised in to the 1+3 model . Candidates undertake the MSc Science and Technology Policy, or join the DTC for a +3 standalone programme if they already have an equivalent level of research training.

Among the STEPS Centre members offering supervision are:

• Rob Byrne
  Project: Understanding the gendered consequences of low carbon innovation discourse
• Adrian Ely
  Projects: 1) Biotechnology regulation and governance in China 2) The role of innovation in pathways towards sustainable food security
• James Wilsdon
  Project: The Science of Scientific Advice in China / Evidence-based policy with Chinese characteristics: the changing role of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in scientific advice and national policymaking

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about the STEPS Centre’s contribution to the Innovation and Sustainability pathway contact:

Jeremy Allouche [email protected]

How to apply

Applications for ESRC studentships can only be considered from those who have already received an offer of a place on a doctoral degree at Sussex. There are therefore two stages in the application process and two deadlines to meet.

1. First deadline: Fri 30 Jan 2015 – Application for a PhD
2. Second deadline: Thu 5 March 2015 5pm – Application for an ESRC studentship

Find out more on the Sussex DTC website