Are you passionate about public policy, climate action, social justice, housing, governance, or interdisciplinary research? Dublin City University (DCU) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship at the School of Law and Government, offering an outstanding opportunity for ambitious researchers from Ireland and around the world to pursue doctoral studies in one of Ireland’s leading universities.

The successful candidate will join the SEAI-funded SHINE research project, a four-year interdisciplinary initiative exploring how social housing residents engage with clean energy transitions, climate action, and technological innovation. The scholarship provides a generous annual stipend of €25,000, full tuition coverage (up to the non-EU fee rate), expert supervision, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research that addresses energy poverty and supports a just transition toward a low-carbon future.

Applications are open now, with the deadline set for 8 July 2026 at 5:00 PM.

About the DCU Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

The School of Law and Government at Dublin City University is offering a fully funded doctoral scholarship for students interested in interdisciplinary research that combines public policy, governance, technology, climate change, and social justice.

The PhD scholarship forms part of the SHINE (Supporting Housing through Intelligent and Networked Energy) research project, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The project is jointly led by Dr. Valesca Lima from the School of Law and Government and Professor Stephen Daniels from the School of Electronic Engineering.

Over four years, SHINE will investigate how citizen science can help improve understanding of the relationship between social housing, clean energy, climate resilience, and policy development.

The successful PhD researcher will be based in Dublin, Ireland, throughout the duration of the programme and will become part of a collaborative research team working across multiple academic disciplines.

About the SHINE Research Project

The SHINE project aims to address one of today’s most pressing societal challenges—ensuring that the transition to clean energy is both fair and inclusive.

The project recognizes that national climate ambitions cannot be achieved without effectively supporting vulnerable households, particularly those living in social housing.

Its research focuses on developing intelligent and evidence-based solutions that can:

Address energy poverty.
Improve climate resilience.
Support behavioural change.
Promote citizen engagement.
Encourage a just transition.
Integrate emerging technologies into housing policy.

Through citizen science and interdisciplinary collaboration, SHINE seeks to generate knowledge that informs national climate and housing strategies while improving the well-being of communities.

PhD Research Focus

Applicants are encouraged to design their own doctoral research project within the wider SHINE framework.

The university welcomes innovative research proposals that embrace the interdisciplinary nature of the project while addressing challenges related to:

Public policy.
Housing.
Climate governance.
Citizen engagement.
Technology adoption.
Energy systems.
Social justice.
Policy innovation.

The research should contribute meaningful insights into how governance, technology, and citizen participation can help achieve fair and sustainable climate transitions.

Indicative Research Themes

Potential research topics include:

Socio-technical policy and governance.
Human-technology interaction.
Human-data interaction.
Citizen science in housing policy.
National housing strategies.
Energy literacy.
Household behavioural change.
Climate action planning.
Public policy frameworks.
Housing regulations.
Just transition governance.
Policy innovation.

Applicants are encouraged to develop original research questions that align with these themes while demonstrating creativity and interdisciplinary thinking.

Why You Should Apply

The DCU PhD Scholarship offers much more than financial support.

Successful applicants will benefit from:

Full funding for four years.
Annual stipend of €25,000.
Tuition fees covered up to the non-EU rate.
Opportunity to conduct impactful interdisciplinary research.
Supervision by experienced academic experts.
Membership in a supportive research community.
Skills development and professional training.
Freedom to shape an independent doctoral research project.
Collaboration across public policy and engineering disciplines.
Contribution to research that influences climate and housing policy.

Research Environment at Dublin City University

Successful candidates will join one of Ireland’s most dynamic research environments.

DCU provides:

Dedicated academic supervision.
Collaborative interdisciplinary teams.
Opportunities for professional development.
Research training.
Academic networking.
Support in developing independent research careers.

Students are encouraged to pursue innovative ideas while benefiting from guidance from experienced supervisors.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a strong academic background and an interest in interdisciplinary research.

Essential Qualification

Applicants should hold a Level 8 Bachelor’s Degree in one or more relevant disciplines, including:

Political Science.
Public Policy.
Sociology.
Human Geography.
Education.
Data Science.
Environmental Science.
Sustainable Systems.
Other engineering or environmental fields with a demonstrated interest in social justice.

Desirable Qualification

Applicants with a Level 9 Master’s Degree in a relevant field are particularly encouraged to apply.

Although a master’s degree is desirable, applicants should carefully review the official requirements to determine their eligibility.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from:

Applicants from Ireland.
Applicants from European Union countries.
International applicants from around the world.

Successful candidates will be expected to relocate to Dublin and remain based there for the duration of the four-year doctoral programme.

Applicants shortlisted for the position will participate in an online interview during mid-July.

Applicants may also be required to demonstrate English language proficiency where applicable.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages).
Motivation Letter (maximum two pages).

Applications should clearly demonstrate:

Academic preparation.
Research interests.
Motivation for pursuing the PhD.
Interest in interdisciplinary research.
Alignment with the SHINE project objectives.

How to Apply

Completed applications should be submitted via email to the address provided by Dublin City University.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare high-quality application materials that demonstrate their research potential, interdisciplinary interests, and commitment to addressing climate, housing, and social justice challenges.

Informal enquiries regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Valesca Lima.

Application Deadline

Applications close on 8 July 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Late applications may not be considered, so prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit their documents well before the deadline.

Apply: send application to tracymae.ildefonso@dcu.ie

Scholarship Summary

Item	Details
Institution	Dublin City University (DCU)
School	School of Law and Government
Country	Ireland
Funding	Fully Funded
Annual Stipend	€25,000
Tuition	Covered up to the non-EU fee rate
Duration	Four years
Project	SHINE (SEAI-funded)
Start Date	September 2026
Deadline	8 July 2026, 5:00 PM

Final Thoughts

The Fully Funded DCU PhD Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers who want to contribute to climate policy, social justice, energy transitions, and public governance. By joining the SHINE research project, doctoral candidates will work on meaningful interdisciplinary research with real-world policy implications while receiving comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.

If you are passionate about addressing energy poverty, promoting sustainable housing policies, and shaping equitable climate solutions, this fully funded PhD programme at Dublin City University could be the ideal next step in your academic and professional journey. Be sure to submit your application before the 8 July 2026, 5:00 PM deadline.

For more information, visit the official call for applications

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