The DCU School of Law and Government Scholarship offers a fully funded PhD opportunity for students interested in public policy, governance, social justice, housing, climate action, and technology. Hosted by Dublin City University (DCU), the scholarship provides financial support for four years of doctoral study while allowing researchers to contribute to an interdisciplinary project focused on energy poverty, citizen engagement, and sustainable housing.
The funded PhD position is part of the SEAI-funded SHINE research project, led by Dr Valesca Lima from the School of Law and Government and Professor Stephen Daniels from the School of Electronic Engineering. The project examines how social housing residents engage with clean energy transitions and explores innovative approaches to addressing energy poverty and climate resilience.
About the DCU School of Law and Government Scholarship
The scholarship supports full-time PhD study at Dublin City University beginning in September. Successful candidates will be based in Dublin throughout the programme and will work within a collaborative research environment that encourages interdisciplinary research and independent thinking.
The SHINE project seeks to understand the relationship between national climate ambitions and the social housing sector. It focuses on citizen participation, behavioural change, climate resilience, and the role of emerging technologies in supporting vulnerable households.
Research Focus
Applicants are encouraged to develop their own doctoral research project within the broader SHINE framework.
Potential research areas include:
- Policy design and governance
- Citizen engagement and citizen science
- Housing and social policy
- Climate action and just transitions
- Human-data interaction
- Human-technology interaction
- Energy literacy and behavioural change
- Housing regulations and policy innovation
The successful candidate may explore how citizen science data can support housing strategies or how real-time feedback systems influence household energy behaviours.
Scholarship Benefits
The DCU School of Law and Government Scholarship provides:
- Annual stipend of €25,000
- Full tuition fee coverage up to the non-EU fee rate
- Funding for four years of PhD study
- Access to DCU’s research and professional development opportunities
- Supervision within an interdisciplinary research team
- Opportunity to contribute to nationally significant research on energy poverty and climate transitions
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should have:
- A Level 8 Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Sociology, Human Geography, Education, or a related discipline
OR
- A Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering or environmental field such as Data Science, Environmental Science, or Sustainable Systems with a strong interest in social justice
In addition:
- A Master’s Degree (Level 9) in a relevant field is desirable
- International applicants are welcome to apply
- Successful candidates may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages)
- Motivation Letter (maximum two pages)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews in mid-July.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application documents to:
Application Deadline
July 8, 2026