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Businesses and Organisations for Sustainable Societies (BOSS)

PGR-RA-63

Expertise of research area
business; natural environment; organisations; policy makers; stakeholders; sustainability; sustainable societies


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Businesses (from small to medium to trans-national) and organisations (eg NGOs, government, and universities) are key actors in moving towards more sustainable societies. The BOSS group is a transdisciplinary team of researchers who are focused on critically evaluating the role of businesses and organisations, and how they can incorporate sustainability into their systems and supply chains.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>In our research:</p> <ul> <li>We examine the implications of the approaches that businesses and organisations adopt in the global North and South, working on both local and global issues.</li> <li>We analyse the interface between businesses and policy-makers, consumers and other stakeholders.</li> </ul> <p>Our expertise covers a wide range of sectors, including:</p> <ul> <li>the built environment</li> <li>food and drink</li> <li>agriculture</li> <li>electronics</li> <li>extractive industries</li> <li>further and higher education</li> <li>health care</li> <li>retail</li> <li>sports</li> <li>textiles</li> </ul> <p>As a group, we seek to develop theories and approaches which enable businesses and organisations to tackle the challenges of sustainable development in a coherent, systematic, holistic and robust way.</p> <p>We are open to academic, industry and stakeholder collaboration to find effective ways towards urgently needed societal and organisational transformation.</p> <p>We have opportunities for prospective postgraduate researchers, and we welcome enquiries from interested candidates.</p> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?</h5> <p><strong>Study in an active research environment </strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you’ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life – alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area. <br /> <strong>A strong network of support  </strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you’ll need to get the most out of your PhD. <br /> <strong>Close industry links </strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that'll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD. <br /> <strong>Professional skills development  </strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. <br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services </strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you’ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you’re feeling your best – and reaching your potential in your studies. <br /> <strong>Join our global community </strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we’re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research – and societal impact.</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://environment.leeds.ac.uk/sustainability-research-institute/doc/business-organisations-sustainable-societies-1">Business and Organisations for Sustainable Societies group</a></li> <li><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-research-innovation">School of Earth and Environment, Research and Innovation </a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a aria-label="Link Doctoral College" href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="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, development and overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">research degree study</a> should be made online through the university's website.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For queries relating to your research proposal or subject area, please contact <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/1514/dr-sally-russell">Dr Sally Russell</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>


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<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>