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REP Project

June 17, 2022

Living Deltas Research Hub

Photo of palm trees and huts that are traditional habitats on the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta across Bangladesh and India

Location: Lancaster University, Lancaster Environment Centre

Duration: 6-10 weeks

An exciting opportunity exists at Lancaster University to get directly involved in a major NERC sponsored research programme – Living Deltas Research Hub.

Launched in 2019, the Hub is a 5-year programme to explore social and natural impacts facing three Asian mega river deltas: Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta across Bangladesh and India; and Mekong and Red River deltas in Vietnam. This particular opportunity is linked to research that Lancaster team is conducting in the GBM delta of Bangladesh.

Working in partnership with several organisations (Universities and NGOs) in the GBM delta, Lancaster researchers are examining how global environmental change already is and will be affecting delta livelihoods. The aim is to generate a deeper understanding of the patterns and drivers of livelihood shifts, with a particular focus on young entrepreneurs’ role in diversifying livelihoods. To meet this aim, we are gathering longitudinal evidence to detect gradual, subtle and sudden shifts in livelihoods of people at the forefront of climate change. We are also exploring, and experimenting with, youth in entrepreneurship as a place-based way to enhance livelihood resilience of delta dwellers. The study areas are located across the environmentally challenging locations within the GBM delta of Bangladesh.

We are using Qualtrics to manage our dynamic and longitudinal dataset (Qualtrics is a user-friendly, web-based software to design and conduct surveys, and download the generated data into numerous software packages). This dataset contains coded information extracted from a large volume of paper-based research diary inputs. The diary data contains lived experiences of a carefully selected sample of 180 households from six key study locations. The households are writing diaries daily and will do so for 24 months. Their diaries capture these details: (i) socio-demographic profiles of family members; (ii) the livelihoods they practice and the associated motilities; (iii) their support network; (iv) everyday challenges they face; and (v) how they adapt or remain resilient at the forefront of climate change.

Lancaster Environment Centre will be the host institute, where the appointee will be responsible for: (a) cleaning and quality control of the Qualtrics dataset; (b) downloading the data into SPSS formats (SPSS is a computer software platform that offers advanced statistical analysis); (c) running queries to generate summary tables and analytical outputs; and (d) collaborating with the Lancaster team to present data in a professional manner.

Current undergraduate students (2nd year or above) who have demonstrated excellent grasp of the broad discipline of Environment and Development would benefit most from this research experience opportunity. A passion for examining impacts of climate change on delta populations and finding ways to enhance their resilience is more important that having prior research experience. Some connection with the culture and heritage of GBM delta and/or fluency in Bangla language is an important desirable criterion.

The placement will be for 6-10 weeks full-time, starting from 27 June 2022. Informal inquiries may be directed to Manoj Roy, m.roy1@lancaster.ac.uk.

To apply

We encourage applications from students from all backgrounds. Please check you meet the eligibility criteria before completing the online data collection form; this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked.

Once you have completed the online data collection form you will receive an email with the application form and details of how to apply to the supervisor. The application form should be completed and emailed to the lead supervisor along with a reference from your personal tutor.