Improving the environmental and social appraisal of infrastructure projects | PhD Opportunities | Queen's University Belfast
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Improving the environmental and social appraisal of infrastructure projects

School of Natural and Built Environment | PHD

Applications are now CLOSED
Funding
Funded
Reference Number
SNBE-2020-SM3
Application Deadline
29 May 2020
Start Date
1 October 2020

Overview

There is increasing focus on the long-term effects of large infrastructure projects on the physical, biological and social environment. Resource use, climate change effects, pollution, biodiversity, and the effects on land and livelihoods are among the issues receiving more attention.

There is increasing focus on the long-term effects of large infrastructure projects on the physical, biological and social environment. Resource use, climate change effects, pollution, biodiversity, and the effects on land and livelihoods are among the issues receiving more attention. Financial institutions and investors have recognised this, and their efforts to investigate the environmental and social effects of their projects have evolved significantly over recent years, both in scope and in the types of projects/investments they apply to. One resulting issue is that the project appraisal requirements of international financial institutions (IFIs) is often more stringent than the national requirements of many countries. This often leads to a gap that needs to be addressed once an IFI comes on board, and can cause delays and additional costs.

This project will examine the experiences of selected IFIs in identifying the additional appraisal needs of large infrastructure projects. It will look at where the appraisal process meshes or conflicts with the national processes, and identify some of the common gaps and shortcomings. The research will aim to propose ways to improve the effectiveness of this process. The work will include reviewing project appraisal processes and documentation, consulting with project developers and IFIs and conducting some project case studies.

Funding Information

The successful candidate will be funded through a DfE studentship at the 2020/21 rate, a stipend of £14,777 and Home/EU fees. The candidate must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years (with no restrictions). EU residents may be eligible for the studentship covering fees-only.

Note that this research project is one of three advertised projects at Queen’s which are in competition for funding. Only one of these will go ahead. The selection will be based on the project which receives the best application.

Project Summary
Supervisor

Dr Stephen McIlwaine

More Information

s.mcilwaine@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Course Director
Email: askeps@qub.ac.uk


Mode of Study

Full-time: 3 years


Funding Body
DfE Studentship
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