The Priestley International Centre for Climate promotes interdisciplinary research of the highest standard on climate and its impact on nature and society. The Priestley Centre’s focus is on interdisciplinary collaborations that better link our physical, technological, economic, social and cultural understanding of climate change in order to deliver robust and timely climate solutions.
<p>Building on the university’s outstanding reputation for climate research, the Priestley International Centre for Climate represents a flagship investment of more than £10 million to this global challenge. The Centre delivers excellent research to underpin climate solutions with a specific focus on four areas:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/research/improving-prediction-of-future-climate/">Improving Predictions of Future Climate</a></li> <li><a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/research/understanding-risk-to-develop-a-resilient-world/">Understanding Risk to Develop a Resilient World</a></li> <li><a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/research/enabling-low-carbon-transitions/">Enabling Low Carbon Transitions</a></li> <li><a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/research/addressing-the-social-political-and-economic-dimensions-of-climate-change/">Addressing the Social, Political and Economic Dimensions of Climate Change</a></li> </ul> <p>For case studies see: <a href="http://climate.leeds.ac.uk/research">climate.leeds.ac.uk/research</a></p> <p>University of Leeds researchers are leading the way in supporting scientific assessments and policymaking on climate solutions on an international, national and local scale:</p> <ul> <li>Internationally, Leeds is heavily engaged with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC’s scientific assessments have been seminal in the development of the Paris Agreement and in ongoing efforts to support countries in setting emissions reduction commitments to meet the 1.5°C target. Leeds researchers continue to contribute IPCC assessments used in periodical stocktakes of the Paris Agreement implementation. </li> <li>Nationally, Leeds research and expertise underpinned the ground-breaking commitment by the UK government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. The recommendations from the UK Committee on Climate Change, on which this commitment is based, includes a broad range of input from the University of Leeds, including key evidence on remaining emissions, the UK’s carbon footprint and energy demand reduction. </li> <li>Locally, Leeds researchers are leading the Leeds Climate Commission which seeks to be an independent voice in the city, providing authoritative advice on steps towards a low carbon, climate resilient future so as to inform policies and shape the actions of local stakeholders and decision-makers. Leeds researchers have developed a carbon roadmap for Leeds, demonstrating that Leeds could become carbon neutral by 2050. </li> </ul> <p>The Priestley Centre has identified a number of strategic research areas for growth and we encourage proposals in the following areas (however these should not be seen as exclusive):</p> <ul> <li>Achieving net-zero emissions</li> <li>Climate and Health</li> <li>Climate and Culture</li> <li>Climate Services</li> </ul> <p>For more information on PhD opportunities in the Centre, <a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/opportunities/priestley-phd-scholarships/">see our website</a>.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-degrees">Research degrees within the School of Earth and Environment</a></li> <li><a href="https://climate.leeds.ac.uk/">Priestley International Centre for Climate</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research">School of Earth and Environment, Research and Innovation</a> </li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p>
<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e: <a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 1314.</p>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>