Apply for a Funded Climate & Mental Health PhD at The University of Manchester (2026 Intake)

The PDS HEAT-ID PhD project offers a unique opportunity to explore the mental health impacts of climate-related heat exposure in Indonesia—one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. As global temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent, understanding how heat affects mental health—particularly anxiety and depression—is increasingly urgent.

This interdisciplinary research will generate robust, policy-relevant evidence on how heat exposure influences mental health outcomes, especially among socially and economically disadvantaged populations.

Institution: The University of Manchester – Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Funding Type: Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Start Date: September 2026
Application Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026

About the Project

Indonesia presents a compelling context for this research due to its:

• High baseline temperatures (average of approximately 27°C)

• Rapid urbanisation

• Significant social and economic inequalities

• Increasing frequency of extreme heat stress days (doubling from 10 to 18 days annually in recent decades)

Despite growing concern, the relationship between heat exposure and mental health remains underexplored, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Research Objectives

This PhD aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how heat exposure affects mental health through four key objectives:

1. Evidence Synthesis: Review existing literature on heat exposure and its links to anxiety and depression, identifying mechanisms and research gaps.

2. Quantitative Analysis: Measure associations between heat exposure and mental health symptoms using longitudinal population data.

3. Health Inequalities: Examine differences across population groups based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

4. Mechanisms of Impact: Investigate pathways such as physiological stress, sleep disruption, fatigue, financial strain, and housing-related vulnerability.

Research Methods

The successful candidate will work with anodised data from the STAND project, which includes:

• Data from 19,236 adults (aged 18+) in Java Island

• Survey waves conducted in 2023 and 2025

• Detailed mental health, socio-demographic, and behavioural data

This dataset will be combined with high-resolution temperature indicators derived from climate simulations enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Analytical approaches will include:

• Advanced epidemiological modelling

• Subgroup and inequality analyses

• Generalised structural equation modelling to examine causal pathways

Policy Impact

This research will contribute critical evidence to inform:

• Public health policy

• Urban planning strategies

• Climate adaptation frameworks

By identifying vulnerable populations and mechanisms of impact, the findings will support targeted interventions to reduce the mental health burden of rising temperatures in Indonesia and other climate-affected regions.

Supervisory Environment

The PhD will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in:

• Population mental health

• Environmental health and climate modelling

• Health inequalities

• Advanced quantitative and epidemiological methods

Doctoral candidates will benefit from:

• Advanced research training

• Interdisciplinary seminars

• Academic publishing support

• Policy engagement opportunities

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong quantitative background in epidemiology, statistics, public health, environmental health, psychology, economics, or related fields

• Experience with statistical programming (e.g., R, Stata, or Python)

• Interest in climate change, environmental health, and mental health research

Experience with large-scale or longitudinal datasets is advantageous but not required.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold (or expect to obtain) a First-class UK honours degree or international equivalent

• Ideally possess a Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant quantitative discipline

• Provide evidence of quantitative data analysis skills

Funding & Benefits

The President’s Doctoral Scholar Award provides:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• A UKRI-rate stipend

• An additional £1,000 annual stipend enhancement

• Funding duration of 3.5 years

Note: Candidates are responsible for relocation, visa, and healthcare surcharge costs.

Application Process

Interested candidates must contact the primary supervisor before submitting an application to discuss suitability.

How to Apply

1. Apply via the official application portal 

2. You may apply for up to two projects under this scheme

3. Submit the following required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Supporting Statement

• Academic Certificates and Transcripts

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to research and training at The University of Manchester. Applicants from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.Register Your Interest

Prospective applicants can register interest to:

• Receive updates from the university

• Access additional guidance on PhD selection

• Track application progress through a Find

• APhD account

Start your research career at the intersection of climate science, mental health, and public policy—and contribute to evidence-based solutions for one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.