The Living Deltas Research Hub
Location: Lancaster Environment Centre
Duration: 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 SPSS to manage our dynamic and longitudinal dataset. This dataset contains coded information extracted from a large volume of paper-based qualitative 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 that 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) appraising the quality of the SPSS dataset being produced; (b) identifying and filling the gaps in the dataset; (c) running routine queries to generate summary tables; 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 of 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 a desirable (not essential) criterion.
The placement will be for 10 weeks full-time, starting from 27 June 2023. 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 eligibility criteria before completing the EDI Form 2023 ; 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.