AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) - Weather Sceptics: Almanacs and the Making of Scientific Meteorology in Nineteenth-Century Britain

The Royal Society of London, and the University of Leeds are pleased to announce the availability of a fully funded Collaborative doctoral studentship from 1 October 2025 under the AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) scheme.<br /> <br /> The project will use previously unexamined archives to explore the important role of scientific almanacs in securing the reputation of the new science of meteorology in mid-nineteenth-century Britain, in the face of public scepticism and the continuing prevalence of astrological almanacs.

<p>This project will be jointly supervised by:</p> <ul> <li>Dr Louisiane Ferlier (Royal Society) </li> <li>Mr Keith Moore (Royal Society) </li> <li>Professor <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/philosophy/staff/143/">Jonathan Topham</a> (University of Leeds)  </li> <li>Professor <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/philosophy/staff/51/">Graeme Gooday</a> (University of Leeds) </li> </ul> <p>The student will be expected to spend time at both the Royal Society and the University of Leeds, as well as becoming part of the wider cohort of CDP funded students across the UK under the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/ahrc/training-and-support-before-the-future-doctoral-provision-programme/collaborative-doctoral-partnerships-cdp/">AHRC’s Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) scheme</a>.</p> <p>The studentship can be studied either full or part-time.</p> <p>We encourage applications from a diverse range of people, from different backgrounds and career stages.</p> <p>Students should have a Masters Degree in a relevant subject or can demonstrate relevant equivalent experience in a professional setting. </p> <p>The studentship is open to both home and international applicants.</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>Project Overview </strong></u></p> <p>The current climate crisis has raised pressing questions concerning the public authority and credibility of science, the persistence of misinformation, and the role of new media.  This project throws that cluster of questions into historical relief, taking a “long view” of public scepticism concerning atmospheric sciences.  In particular, it focuses on the way in which scientists sought to reconfigure one of the nineteenth century’s most successful media, the almanac, replacing astrological lore with the latest meteorological science.  By examining this history for the first time, the project will reveal the role of scientists’ interaction with a powerful communication medium in the battle to establish the new science of weather forecasting, shedding light on issues of contemporary as well as historical relevance.</p> <p>The project builds on a uniquely strong research focus at the<a href="https://hpsleeds.wordpress.com/"> Centre for History and Philosophy of Science</a>, University of Leeds, and at the <a href="https://royalsociety.org/current-topics/history-science/">Royal Society of London</a>, relating to science in nineteenth-century periodicals in combination with the history of meteorology.  It is also built on an exceptional set of archival resources relating to the behind-the-scenes processes by which scientists sought to engage the public.  The research will focus especially on two ground-breaking almanacs – the <a href="https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/010032665">British Almanac</a> (1828–1914) and the<a href="https://archive.org/search?query=subject%3A%22Illustrated+London+Almanack%22&sort=date"> Illustrated London Almanack</a> (1845–95) – in which scientists were heavily involved, and for which extensive scientific archives survive, notably at the Royal Society but also at other institutions.</p> <p>Focusing on the key period of innovation between the 1820s and the 1860s, the project will seek to understand the issues involved in securing authority for Victorian scientific weather forecasting in the context of the previously little-studied astrological almanacs and examining the significance of their international circulation.  The research will involve analysing the editorial and data-gathering processes, the almanacs themselves (including through digital techniques), but also the public response.  The resulting study will have wide relevance for historians of science and of periodicals but will also offer an important reference point for contemporary science communicators and sociologists.<br />  <br /> Research questions include:</p> <ul> <li>How persuasively did astrological almanacs present the causes and patterns of weather to their readerships, and to what extent were leading scientific figures concerned about their influence?</li> <li>How did scientists and editorial collaborators seek to modify the almanac format to ensure that it communicated accurate scientific information in an uncontentious fashion, and how did they use the techniques of popular journalism to ensure success?</li> <li>How far did the non-data elements of ‘scientific’ almanacs (e.g. commissions from leading Victorian illustrators and unrecognised women contributors) contribute to their success?  </li> <li>How far and why were networks of scientific institutions involved in supplying the data for such almanacs?  For example, Illustrated London Almanack editor, James Glaisher, led the Meteorological Department at the Royal Greenwich Observatory.</li> <li>How successful were the new ventures, and how far did astrological almanacs continue to compete?</li> <li>To the extent that almanacs circulated internationally, can we map the scope of their global influence (intellectually and materially)?</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>Research with the Royal Society</strong></u></p> <p>This research studentship is one allocated to the Royal Society by the AHRC. The successful student will be expected to spend time carrying out research and gaining relevant experience with the partner in London as part of the studentship. The placements at the Royal Society will be tailored to the interests and development needs of the student.</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>Details of Award</strong></u></p> <p>CDP doctoral training grants fund full-time studentships for 4 years or part-time (0.6FTE) equivalent up to a maximum of 6 years and 8 months.</p> <p>The award pays tuition fees up to the value of the full-time home fee.  Research Councils UK Indicative Fee Level for 2025/26 is £5,006.  The fee gap between the home and overseas fee rates will be covered by the University through internal co-funding for international candidates. If you are an International student, please be aware that there may be additional fees; for all enquiries contact the PGR Admissions team using the contact details at the end of this advert. International candidates will be required to reside in the UK until completion of the PhD.</p> <p>The award pays an annual stipend for all students, both home and international students. This stipend is tax free, and is the equivalent of an annual salary, enabling the student to pay living costs. The UKRI Minimum Doctoral Stipend for 2025/26 is £20,780 plus an allowance of £1000/year since the partner organization is based in London. There is also a CDP maintenance payment of £600 per year.</p> <p>Further details can be found on the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/">UKRI website</a>.</p> <p>The successful candidate is eligible to receive an additional travel and related expenses grant during the course of the project courtesy of the Royal Society worth up to £2000 per year for 4 years.</p> <p>The successful candidate will be encouraged to participate in professional development events and activities organised for all Collaborative Doctoral Partnership students who are registered with different universities and studying with cultural and heritage organisations across the UK. These activities are organised by a coordination team based at the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/">V&A </a>and are designed to provide CDP researchers with the knowledge, networks and skills to thrive in their future careers.</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong>Eligibility</strong></u></p> <p>This studentship is open to both Home and International applicants. To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria: </p> <ul> <li>Be a UK or Irish National (meeting residency requirements), or</li> <li>Have settled status, or </li> <li>Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or</li> <li>Have indefinite leave to remain or enter</li> </ul> <p>For information relating to the regulations surrounding how we assess residency and fee status, we would advise that you visit the website of the <a href="https://ukcisa.org.uk/">UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)</a>, which is the UK’s national advisory body who offer guidance and support to international students. They provide information and interpretation of the law that governs fee status assessments: <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/England-HE-fee-status">https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/Fees-and-Money/England-HE-fee-status.</a></p> <ul> <li>International students are eligible to receive the full award for maintenance as are home students. The fee gap between the home and overseas fee rates will be covered by the University through internal co-funding for international candidates. If you are an International student, please be aware that there may be additional fees; for all enquiries contact the PG administrator (details at the end of document).</li> <li>We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</li> <li>As a collaborative award, students will be expected to spend time at both the University and the Royal Society.</li> </ul> <p>NB. All applicants must meet UKRI terms and conditions for funding. See: <br /> <a href="https://www.ukri.org/manage-your-award/meeting-ukri-terms-and-conditions-for-funding/">https://www.ukri.org/funding/information-for-award-holders/grant-terms-and-conditions/</a><br />  </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made <a href="https://prod.banner.leeds.ac.uk/ssb/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online through the University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Weather Sceptics: Almanacs and the Making of Scientific Meteorology in Nineteenth-Century Britain’ as well as Prof. Jon Topham and Prof. Graeme Gooday as your proposed supervisors. You will be expected to meet our <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/philosophy-research-degrees/doc/doctor-philosophy-phd-7">eligibility criteria</a> for postgraduate research applications and to provide all the required <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/philosophy-research-degrees/doc/apply-11">supporting documents</a>, which include a research proposal,* degree documents, names of referees, and a sample of your work.</p> <p>*N.B. Since you will be applying for a named doctoral project, your research proposal  should take the form of a <strong>letter of application (maximum 1000 words)</strong>, explaining your reasons for applying for the studentship, how your existing scholarly interests relate to the doctoral project, and how your prior education and other experiences have equipped you to undertake it.  You should also outline particular ways in which you would hope to develop the project, in the light of your interests and expertise.</p> <p>We are committed to supporting applicants who require reasonable adjustments throughout the application and selection process, such as opportunities to speak with staff members or current students.  If you would like to request support in this regard, please contact the admissions team, regarding the submission of applications, or the lead supervisor, regarding all other matters (contact details below).  Further details of the interview process will be supplied to students invited for interview, at least a week in advance.</p> <p>To be considered for the award, candidates must have submitted a complete application for PhD study in the School of Philosophy, Religion, and History of Science by<strong> 6 May 2025 (5pm UK time).</strong></p> <p>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2025.</li> <li>The awards are available for new Postgraduate Researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study leading to the degree of PhD. Students who are already registered for PhD research study are excluded from applying.</li> <li>Applicants for Doctoral Research must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship.</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).<br />  </p>

The minimum entry requirement for PhD study is a 2:1 undergraduate honours degree. We expect applicants to have (or expect to obtain) a relevant Masters-level qualification or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience in a professional setting. Suitable disciplines are flexible, but might include History, History of Science, Environmental History, or Environmental Humanities. <br /> <br /> Applicants must also be able to demonstrate an interest in the heritage sector and potential and enthusiasm for developing skills more widely in related areas.<br /> <br /> Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the PGR Admissions team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking), or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p>The award includes:</p> <ul> <li>Full fees</li> <li>A maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26 – pro rata for part time study).  </li> </ul> <p>Please note that the award does not cover any costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa costs, Immigration Health Surcharge/medical insurance, flights etc</a>) would have to be met by the student.</p> <p>You need to meet the AHRC’s UK residency requirements. </p>

<p>For further information please contact the Admissions team (ahcpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk) and lead supervisor, Professor Jon Topham (j.r.topham@leeds.ac.uk). </p> <p>We ask all applicants to complete a voluntary EDI monitoring form <a href="https://forms.office.com/e/tvHq0qB97W">here</a>. All responses are anonymous.<br />  </p>