The University of Reading has been awarded a £1 million grant by the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarships Programme to support a new doctoral training programme in Climate Justice: Ethics, Politics, and Law.  The Leverhulme Trust is one of the largest all-subject providers of grants and scholarships for research and education in the UK, distributing approximately £80 million a year.

Climate change is a global threat.  Scientists are beginning to understand the cause and likely environmental effect of climate change, whereas social scientists and philosophers are addressing the political, ethical and legal challenges of climate change.  This new interdisciplinary programme will bring together researchers from a range of backgrounds; economics, geography, law, meteorology, philosophy and politics and international relations to understand, research and inform both the scientific and justice aspects of climate change.

This programme will train 15 doctoral researchers over three years to become experts in the scientific, justice and ethical issues surrounding climate change.  The research from the programme will lead to the establishment of a new Research Centre for Climate and Justice.  It is envisioned that these students and subsequent post-doctoral researchers will go on to develop and inform new just climate change policies.

The first five Leverhulme doctoral research scholarships will start their PhD research in Reading in October 2015.  Applications for the scholarship competition are open until 27 March.  Further details and information on how to apply can be found at: www.reading.ac.uk/gs-funding-opportunities.aspx

Induction event for all new doctoral researchers (January 2015 starters)

Wednesday 21 January 2015, 10.00-12.00
Graduate School (Old Whiteknights House) room G09

An essential event for new doctoral research students, this will provide you with an introduction to what you need to know about academic life during your time at Reading, including information on:
• What you can expect from the University Graduate School and what we will expect from you
• Training requirements (RRDP)
• Personal development events
This is also an opportunity for you to meet other new doctoral researchers from across the University.
Attendance is highly recommended.

Please email gradschool@reading.ac.uk if you plan on attending.

Please note if you started your doctoral studies in Autumn 2014, but missed the October 2014 induction event, you can also attend.

Induction event for all new doctoral researchers (October 2014 starters)
Wednesday 22 October, 14.00-16.00
Madejski Lecture Theatre, Agriculture Building, Earley Gate
An essential event for new doctoral research students, this will provide you with an introduction to what you need to know about academic life during your time at Reading, including information on:
• What you can expect from the University Graduate School and what we will expect from you
• Training requirements (RRDP)
• Personal development events
This is also an opportunity for you to meet other new doctoral researchers from across the University.
Attendance is highly recommended.

Breakfast Club
Tuesday 28 October, 9.00-10.00 am
Graduate School (Old Whiteknights House)
Sometimes doing a PhD can get a little lonely, so put the books aside for an hour and come and meet others in the same boat as you! (Coffee, pastries and fruit provided.)
Free to attend, but so we know how many croissants to buy, please email gradschool@reading.ac.uk if you are planning to attend.

Seasonal Celebration and Graduate School Quiz
Wednesday 3 December 17.00-19.00
Graduate School (Old Whiteknights House)
Although it might seem a long way off, save the date for the Graduate School’s annual Seasonal Celebration and quiz. More details to follow soon.