3-Year PhD Studentship in Geography at The Open University in partnership with the British Geological
Survey and Leicester University
Community Resilience to Geological Hazards in the Solomon Islands: Harnessing Local Knowledge
and Shared Experience
The Open University, Faculty of Social Sciences, based in Milton Keynes.
Ref RDHI: Starting Date: January 2011
Dr Nigel Clark and Dr David Humphreys (Open University)
Professor Mike Petterson (Leicester University)
Dr Susanne Sargeant (British Geological Survey)
The studentship involves working with geologists and local communities in the Solomon Islands to assess the risk
of volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis and to develop effective strategies for co-existing with geo-hazards. The
Solomon Islands are seismically and volcanically very active and at high risk of tsunamis. In April 2007 a tsunami
generated by an earthquake killed 52 people and destroyed 13 villages.
In partnership with the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Geology Department, Leicester University, the
research will extend and develop existing geo-hazard modelling of Savo and Choiseul Islands to enable better
forecasting of geo-hazards and to evaluate the risks attending local practices and activities. The project aims to
achieve broad community involvement at every stage - from assessing hazards through to adaptation of local
livelihoods and development of emergency procedures. The researcher will utilise and develop methods aimed at
enhancing stakeholder participation in order to actively engage with a broad cross-section of local communities as
well as government representatives and emergency services. This work will build on existing ethnographic studies
in the area, and will involve extensive discussion with local people about their own experience and understanding
of geo-hazards. The Solomon Islands Geological Survey and National Disaster Council will provide in-country
support and take a close interest in the research.
The research offers opportunities not simply for transmission of scientific knowledge but for the development of
new modes of understanding, communication and story-telling that combine indigenous knowledge and western
expertise. Besides documenting and developing this engagement, the researcher will attend to the broader regional
and global context of the encounter between local communities and overseas experts, and will be expected to
engage critically with all aspects of the project. Within the broad remit of the project, there will be opportunities for
the successful applicant to bring in their own interests and insights, leaving considerable scope for the way the
doctoral research takes shape.
The studentship consists of an enhanced maintenance grant (£14,000) for three years, and also covers fees and
fieldwork costs – including a 'top-up' from the project partner. Applicants should be committed to inter-disciplinary
research, and have (or be in the process of completing) an ESRC-recognised Masters or be able to demonstrate
equivalent experience relevant to the area of research. Experience of overseas fieldwork is preferred.
The successful applicant will be registered for a PhD in the Geography Department at The Open University
Geography Department. The Department has a lively research culture and thriving postgraduate community. The
Open University postgraduate programme will provide training in the social science methods relevant to the
project. The researcher will also gain experience with geo-hazard assessment by spending time with the BGS Earth
Hazards and Systems Group in Edinburgh and at the Leicester University Geology Department.
If you would like any further information on this project, please contact Dr David Humphreys at
d.r.humphreys@open.ac.uk or phone 01908 654480. More information about doctoral research at the Open
University
is
available
at:
http://www.open.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/index.php
and
at:
http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/about-the-faculty/departments/geography/postgraduate/postgraduate.php
Closing Date: Friday, 29 October 2010
Interview date: Thursday, 11 November 2010
Candidates should send an application to Ms Sheree Barboteau, Faculty of Social Sciences: Geography, The Open
University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA UK, or electronically to s.barboteau@open.ac.uk. The
application should comprise a personal statement of maximum 2 pages (A4) outlining why you are interested in
this project and why you would be a suitable candidate, a full academic CV, and the names and addresses of 2
academic referees.
Dr Nigel Clark is a Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at the Open University. His research looks at the
different ways that geological, climatic and biological volatility influences human social and communal life, and
how we respond ethically and politically to extreme events. http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/staff/peopleprofile.php?name=Nigel_Clark
Dr David Humphreys is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Policy at the Open University. His research covers
global environmental governance and international environmental policy, with particular reference to deforestation
and climate change. He has written two books on international forest politics.
http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/staff/people-profile.php?name=David_Humphreys
Professor Mike Petterson is Professor of Applied and Environmental Geology at Leicester University. His
research interests include the evolution of island arcs, tectonics, mineralisation, volcanology, natural hazards and
sustainable development. He lived in Solomon Islands in the mid 1990s working as a Government Geologist and
regularly visits and researches in Solomon Islands.
Dr Susanne Sargeant is a seismic hazard analyst based at the BGS Earth Hazards and Systems Group in
Edinburgh. She has participated in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment projects for sites throughout the world,
and her current seismological research includes aftershock sequences and swarms in the UK, attenuation of seismic
waves and ground motion modelling.
This studentship does not have any nationality or residency requirements.
Invitations to attend interview for shortlisted candidates will be sent by post and email on Friday, 5
November.
Equal Opportunity is Open University Policy.