Generating Social Value and Improving Community Well-being through Circular Economy Hubs - CDA studentship on behalf of ESRC Grand union DTP

 

Community well-being and planetary health are pressing societal challenges that have gained increased attention over the past decades, operating in tandem and requiring innovative, agile, collaborative, and shared responses. The engagement of community members in the co-delivery of community-facing, evidence-based initiatives aimed at improving the natural environment, creating economic benefits and shared social values amongst community members, is known to make a significant contribution to community well-being and planetary health.

 

Circular economy (CE) hubs that promote ‘reuse’ and ‘repair’ of wasted or no longer-wanted materials, components and products have the potential to help address these important societal needs. Circularity not only prolongs the life of these items, but provides access to them to those who might otherwise find them out of reach and reduces waste, promoting well-being and sustainability. Reuse invariably requires repair/refurbishment, and redistribution tailored to local context-specific needs, providing opportunities for community involvement in the transformation processes, upskilling and employment, and wider social value generation. However, growth in repair/reuse is largely yet to happen despite calls from the waste and resource sector and policymakers for its direct contribution to addressing resource efficiency, overconsumption, carbon intensification, economic disparities, and community-based inertia. A hitherto limited understanding of CE model design as it applies to reuse, is compounded by a paucity of insight into community co-design and stakeholder engagement approaches in this context.

 

West London Waste Authority (WLWA) is committed to creating a CE-Hub in Acton West London to catalyse repair/reuse for the benefit of the environment and the community's well-being. The site and satellite activities will be developed incrementally and organically with delivery partners and community representatives. In collaboration with WLWA and with special relevance to the CE Hub at Acton, this original research project will address the urgent need to rigorously establish the factors influencing the effective co-design of circular economy hubs with a repair/reuse focus, as pathways for improving environmental protection and community well-being, and the generation of social value.

 

 

Eligibility

The PhD studentship will be funded by the Grand Union DTP for an expected 3 years (or part-time equivalent) from October 2024. The award length offered may differ depending on the candidate’s prior training and how they meet ESRC training requirements.

Information about Grand Union DTP ESRC studentships and eligibility can be found on the Grand Union DTP website.

Any academic queries should be emailed to Prof David Gallear - david.gallear@brunel.ac.uk

Any other queries should be to emma.smith@brunel.ac.uk

 

How to apply

To apply for the studentship you must submit:

  1. A Grand Union DTP Application form, downloadable from: https://www.granduniondtp.ac.uk/how-apply#tab-1440826
  2. 2000 word research proposal including references. Your proposal can draw on the description of the research detailed above.
  3. Two written references, they should have a good knowledge of your academic record to date and your plans for the research project. They should be in a position to judge your suitability and preparedness for doctoral study. Only one of your two referees can be a member of your proposed (or actual) supervisory team. You may ask the supervisor of your Masters dissertation to be one of your referees.

References must include: The referee’s name and their relationship to you and comment on your previous performance/achievements

  1. Your up-to-date CV;
  2. Your single A4 page, single-spaced personal statement setting out why you are interested in undertaking this project;
  3. Your degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);
  4. Evidence of your English language capability to IELTS 7.0 or equivalent, if appropriate;
  5. Completed Equal Opportunities form

 

 

Please email all completed documents to Emma.Smith@brunel.ac.uk (Post Award Officer) with the subject header –Wellbeing ESRC Studentship application by Midday on 12th January 2024

The admissions process is in two parts: applications will be assessed by the institution and the selected candidate will then be assessed as part of the applicant pool for ESRC Grand Union DTP funding. 

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Eleni Iacovidou - My research focuses on sustainable solutions for resource and waste management, with a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and sustainability assessment. I use a systems thinking approach (CVORR) to understand environmental challenges holistically and to identify points where practical interventions can generate the greatest value and impact. By considering not only environmental and engineering aspects but also social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, my work highlights the multidimensional value of resource recovery systems. This approach helps create solutions that are technically sound, socially inclusive, and supportive of a faster transition to sustainability. My research is primarily desktop-based and centres on five key areas: Plastic and plastic packaging systems – assessing sustainable pathways to circularity Textiles management – advancing prevention and reuse in a sustainable society Food waste management – addressing challenges for sustainable consumption and recovery Construction components – promoting reuse and modular structures Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – repair, reuse, and circular strategies In addition, I examine the effects of technological and regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the impacts of informal recycling systems on society and the environment. I am also exploring how waste infrastructure can be tailored to area-specific contexts and how smart technologies can enable product and component tracking across the value chain. The ultimate goal of my research is to provide systemic and integrated sustainability assessments that support evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and foster academic collaboration. By applying systems thinking, I aim to reduce material leakage, extend product lifespans, and enhance resource efficiency, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
Louise Mansfield - Career History Louise Mansfield is Professor of Sport, Health and Social Sciences and Vice Dean for Research in the College of Health Medicine and Life Sciences. She is Director of the Centre for Health and Wellbeing across the Lifecourse.  Her research focuses on the relationship between sport, physical activity and public health and wellbeing. Louise's expertise are in partnership and community approaches in sport and physical activity and issues of health, wellbeing, inequality and diversity. She has led research projects for the Department of Health, Youth Sport Trust, sportscotland, Economic and Social Research Council, Medical Research Council, Macmillan Cancer Support, Public Health England and Sport England. She sits on the editorial boards for Leisure Studies, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health and the International Review for the Sociology of Sport and is Managing Editor of Annals of Leisure Research. Louise is known for developing evidence to inform policy and practice.