Fully Funded EM-SLAM PhD Studentship 2026 in the UK: Research Sustainable Living, Climate Anxiety, and Mental Wellbeing

The East Midlands Sustainable Living and Mental Wellbeing (EM-SLAM) Doctoral Focal Award offers a fully funded PhD opportunity for students interested in exploring the intersection between mental health, sustainable living, and climate-related social challenges. This prestigious doctoral program is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and brings together several leading UK universities and regional partners to train the next generation of researchers, policymakers, and creative practitioners.

The program will begin in 2026 and is open to both UK and international applicants. It provides four years of financial support, advanced training, and opportunities to collaborate with organizations across the health, sustainability, arts, and community sectors.

Applicants must submit their applications before March 31, 2026.

About the EM-SLAM Programme

The East Midlands Sustainable Living and Mental Wellbeing (EM-SLAM) initiative is a collaborative research program designed to address the growing psychological and social challenges associated with climate change and ecological uncertainty.

The program is jointly delivered by a partnership of universities across the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom, including:

• Loughborough University

• De Montfort University

• University of Leicester

• Nottingham Trent University

These institutions work together with a range of non-academic partners, including organizations involved in public health, environmental sustainability, community development, and the creative arts.

The primary aim of EM-SLAM is to explore how societies can support individuals and communities in living sustainably while maintaining mental wellbeing and social resilience in the face of environmental crises.

Through interdisciplinary research and storytelling approaches, the program seeks to generate knowledge that can inform policy, inspire communities, and support healthier relationships between people and the environment.

Research Focus: Sustainable Living and Mental Wellbeing

One of the defining characteristics of the EM-SLAM doctoral program is its focus on the intersection between mental health and environmental sustainability.

Climate change and ecological disruption are increasingly affecting the psychological wellbeing of individuals and communities. Concepts such as climate anxiety, ecological grief, and environmental distress are becoming more prominent in academic research and public discourse.

The EM-SLAM programme aims to investigate these issues through innovative research that highlights human experiences, narratives, and community perspectives.

Doctoral researchers will explore how people can:

• Adapt to ecological uncertainty while maintaining mental resilience

• Build sustainable lifestyles that support both environmental health and human wellbeing

• Develop meaningful connections with nature and community

• Address climate anxiety and ecological grief through storytelling and social engagement

Researchers are encouraged to develop projects that incorporate qualitative and interpretative research methods, with storytelling serving as a central framework for understanding lived experiences.

Interdisciplinary Research Environment

The EM-SLAM programme provides a highly interdisciplinary research environment that bridges multiple academic fields.

Students will receive supervision and mentorship from experts in areas such as:

• Social sciences

• Arts and humanities

• Environmental studies

• Public health

• Cultural and creative industries

This interdisciplinary approach ensures that doctoral researchers develop a broad perspective on sustainability and mental health challenges while learning how to collaborate across different academic and professional disciplines.

Students will also work closely with external partners, allowing them to connect their research to real-world policy and community initiatives.

Why Apply for the EM-SLAM Doctoral Studentship

The EM-SLAM PhD studentship offers a wide range of academic and professional benefits designed to support early-career researchers.

Advanced Research Training

Students will gain advanced research skills through a comprehensive training programme that includes methodological workshops, interdisciplinary seminars, and professional development activities.

This training is designed to prepare participants for careers in academia, policymaking, creative industries, and public sector organizations.

Collaborative Research Opportunities

Participants will work with researchers and professionals from different sectors to co-design projects that address real-world social and environmental challenges.

This collaborative approach allows doctoral researchers to develop research that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful.

Professional Placements and Partnerships

A key component of the EM-SLAM program is the opportunity to undertake short placements with partner organizations.

These placements may involve collaboration with:

• Public health organizations

• Environmental sustainability initiatives

• Cultural and creative institutions

• Community development programs

Such experiences allow researchers to apply their academic work in practical settings and gain valuable professional experience.

Inclusive Research Community

Students will join a vibrant and supportive cohort of researchers from diverse backgrounds.

The programme prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from individuals who may be underrepresented in academia.

Funding and Financial Support

The EM-SLAM Doctoral Focal Award provides four years of fully funded doctoral support.

The funding package includes:

• Full coverage of UK tuition fees

• A tax-free stipend to support living expenses

• Funding for training and professional development

• Financial support for conference participation

• Opportunities for research collaboration and placements

The programme is funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), one of the UK’s most prestigious research funding bodies.

While the studentship primarily covers UK fees, international students are also eligible, although only a limited number of awards are available for applicants from outside the UK.

According to UK Research and Innovation guidelines, up to 30 percent of the studentships may be awarded to international candidates.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic preparation and a clear research interest in the themes of sustainable living and mental wellbeing.

Typical requirements include:

• A background in arts and humanities or social sciences

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

• A first or upper second class honours undergraduate degree from a UK university or equivalent qualification

Applicants with a lower second class honours degree may still be considered if they hold a Master’s degree with Merit level or equivalent.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved English language test.

The required score is:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5

• Minimum 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)

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