Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes under the supervision of Narisong Huhe, Stratos Patrikios, and Johann Go. For your dissertation project, you will undertake qualitative content analysis of public narratives for/against governance by algorithm in comparative contexts. It is expected that the dissertation will undertake the collection and analysis of these texts.

Project summary

Governance by algorithm, that is, the use of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) algorithms by governments to support or automate bureaucratic, healthcare, security, and economic decision-making, is a major focus of public debates. Our aim is to map popular narratives deployed by government and civil society for or against specific applications of algorithmic governance. The MRes position seeks a researcher with skills and experience in qualitative content analysis to contribute to mapping the content of popular narratives regarding instrumental and ethical dilemmas posed by governance by algorithm. The project will build a taxonomy of publicly salient arguments for/against algorithmic decision-making via narrative analysis, and a new qualitative dataset of these arguments. 

If you are interested in undertaking an MRes with the project team, email Dr Narisong Huhe at narisong.huhe@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes under the supervision of Dr Stefanie Reher.  For the dissertation project, you will undertake research on the topic of disability and political representation, using quantitative research methods.

Project summary

Disabled people face a range of barriers to participating in politics, both at the citizen and elite level. As a result, their interests and views often remain under-represented in the policy-making process. The MRes project will focus on a topic within the broader field of disability and political representation. This may include, but is not limited to, the political attitudes and behaviour of disabled citizens; the experiences of disabled candidates; the representation of disabled people among elected representatives; public opinion about disabled politicians; and the behaviour of disabled politicians. The project may focus on any country or region. The methodological approach is expected to involve analysis of quantitative data using statistical methods. Examples of potential data sources include public opinion surveys, candidate surveys, political speeches and other texts. You may combine this with qualitative methods in a mixed-method design if appropriate for the project. There will be opportunities to conduct data collection and research in collaboration with Dr Reher and her collaborators. 

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes under the supervision of Dr Ben Cormier.  For the dissertation project, you will undertake a package of work on the Political Economy of Pension Fund Investment Regulations (PFIRs), helping to build a database of PFIRs.  It is expected that the dissertation will undertake analysis of these data.

Project summary

In many developing economies, pension funds manage the largest pool of domestic savings available for investment. Since pension funds can invest this capital abroad as well as inside the country, governments may regulate them into investing domestically rather than externally. Regulations that funnel pension capital into domestic investment support public expenditure, balanced budgets, private sector investment, and financial market development (OECD 2022). Yet not all countries take this approach.

Pension Fund Investment Regulations (PFIRs) are thus major policy choices with implications for social and economic development. Yet PFIR political-economic causes and effects have not been studied before. This project builds the first global database of PFIRs, covering all countries from 1970 to 2025. You will help the project lead gather data for the database and design a political economy research project that uses the data. If you are interested in undertaking an MRes with Dr Cormier, please email ben.cormier@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes project on democratic citizenship under the supervision of Professor Robert Mattes.

Project summary

Recent studies confirmed that levels and trends of public support for democracy are related to the sustainance of democratic practice at the country level.

But how do the attitudes or actions of ordinary citizens actually affect the stability of democratic rule? In their projects, students will examine the linkages between attitudes to democracy and whether people vote, how they vote, and whether or not they take part in other type of peaceful or contentious political participation. Students will be encouraged to make use of public opinion data from the various global barometer surveys (Afrobarometer, Latinobarometro, Asian Barometer, Arab Barometer) or the World Values Survey.

If you are interested in undertaking an MRes with Professor Mattes contact him at robert.mattes@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes on voter behaviour in the developing world under the supervision of Professor Robert Mattes.

Project summary

Scholars have tended to argue that voters in developing countries decide whether and how to vote based either on the region whey they live, the language they speak, or the religion they practice. Yet drastic changes in voter turnout, and governing parties’ recent losses of voter support challenge this view.

In your project, you will examine voters’ assessments of economic and political performance, and their views of the available alternatives, to understand how these shape voter turnout and voter choice in the developing world. 

You will be encouraged to make use of public opinion data from the post-election survey projects (such as the Comparative National Elections Project), or various global barometer surveys (Afrobarometer, Latinobarometro, Asian Barometer, Arab Barometer).

If you are interested in undertaking an MRes with Professor Mattes feel free to contact him at robert.mattes@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes on survey methods in developing countries under the co-supervision of Professor Robert Mattes and Professor Tom Scotto.

Project summary

With the worldwide spread of multi-party democracies and advances in technology, survey research has spread across the developing world in the past two decades. But our knowledge about the validity and reliability of survey responses, and the impact of survey design and survey administration, is vastly underdeveloped.

In developing country contexts, responses to questions about issues such as gender and violence may be shaped by traditional culturally sensitivities. In imperfect democracies and semi-authoritarian settings, responses to questions about politics may be affected by respondent fear. The gender, linguistic or racial identify, or educational background of the interviewer may also play an important role. We will train you in cutting edge techniques to identify and assess such effects, using data from the various global barometer surveys (Afrobarometer, Latinobarometro, Asian Barometer, Arab Barometer) or the World Values Survey.

If you are interested in undertaking an MRes with Professor Mattes please contact him at robert.mattes@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing comparative policy analysis on Heat-as-a-Service in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

Heat-as-a-Service (HaaS) is an innovative approach to energy consumption that shifts the traditional model of purchasing fuel or electricity to one focused on outcomes—specifically, the delivery of warmth and comfort. Instead of paying for gas (or any other heating fuels), consumers engage with service providers who ensure their heating needs are met efficiently and sustainably. This model has the potential to reshape energy policies, consumer behaviour, and the broader decarbonisation agenda.

There is evidence of relevant analysis and trials, exploring the feasibility of HaaS, the challenges it faces, and its role in transitioning to net-zero energy systems. But the decarbonisation of residential heating is a dynamic field, where research and policy initiatives constantly evolve. It is therefore important to evaluate where the academic, industry and policy thinking is at present.

As part of a structured investigation into HaaS, several key questions arise:

• Implementation of HaaS Policies: What HaaS-related policies have been introduced or proposed in the UK and internationally? How do different governments and energy providers approach this concept?
• Lessons and Best Practices: What can be learned from early trials and implementations of HaaS? What best practices emerge from policy frameworks, consumer adoption patterns, and technological advancements?

A comparative policy analysis would be a valuable approach to evaluating HaaS across different regions. This method would involve systematically comparing policies to identify common themes, successful strategies, and potential pitfalls. Insights could be drawn from case studies, industry reports, and expert interviews to assess the effectiveness of various HaaS models.

If you are interested in this project please contact the project supervisor Christian Calvillo Munoz at christian.calvillo@strath.ac.uk. 

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing qualitative research and comparative policy analysis on the impact of Low Carbon Heat and Transport Transition in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

As governments worldwide push towards decarbonisation, the transition to low-carbon heat and transport systems carries significant implications for communities, particularly those with protected characteristics, such as individuals with disabilities and ethnic minorities. While economic factors are commonly considered in policy development, non-economic barriers—ranging from accessibility challenges to social inequalities—are equally crucial to address for an equitable transition.

Research organisations such as the  Energy Demand Research Centre have examined the barriers faced by marginalised groups when adopting green energy solutions and sustainable transport choices, shedding light on the broader social impacts of climate policies. Here, our focus will be specifically on low-carbon heating and transportation.

This study could explore two key areas:

• understanding non-economic barriers through lived experience:
  
  •  How do personal experiences of individuals with protected characteristics highlight obstacles beyond financial constraints?
  • What social, cultural, or infrastructural challenges affect the adoption of low-carbon solutions?
• Best Practices in Inclusive Policy Design:
  
  • Are there exemplary policies—either in the UK or globally—that effectively tailor green energy and transport solutions to the needs of protected groups?
  • What lessons can be learned from successful initiatives that prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, and fairness in the transition?

For Research Question 1: Conducting interviews with individuals from affected communities would provide rich qualitative insights into their lived experiences. A thematic analysis of the collected responses would help identify common patterns, emerging themes, and recurring barriers.
For Research Question 2: A comparative policy analysis would assess strategies across different nations, pinpointing effective frameworks, highlighting areas for improvement, and identifying transferable best practices.

Students interested in this project should feel free to contact supervisor Christian Calvillo Munoz at christian.calvillo@strath.ac.uk. 

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing comparative policy analysis on the distributional impact of social tariffs and fuel poverty in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

Fuel poverty remains a pressing issue for many households, where energy costs strain budgets, limit access to adequate heating and drive dilemmas over which basic needs affected households should prioritise. Social tariffs—targeted energy pricing structures designed to assist low-income or vulnerable groups—are a policy tool aimed at alleviating this burden. Understanding their effectiveness requires analysing implementation strategies, distributional impact, and lessons from global examples.
The Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel produced a report on the Social Energy Tariff. This publication reviews current discussions on social energy tariffs and their role in tackling fuel poverty, and examines policy considerations, challenges, and the potential for social tariffs to offer relief to struggling households.

The study could focus on the following areas:

• Examples of Best Practices in Policy Design: What models of social tariff implementation exist in the UK and globally? Have certain approaches demonstrated greater effectiveness in reducing fuel poverty?
• Reported Outcomes and Impact: How have social tariffs affected affordability, energy consumption, and well-being in different demographics? What distributional effects—positive or negative—have been observed?

A comparative policy analysis would be an appropriate methodology to evaluate social tariff programmes across different countries. This approach would involve:

• identifying successful and unsuccessful models of implementation
• assessing effectiveness based on affordability, accessibility, and household outcomes
• drawing lessons from various policy frameworks to inform future strategies

If you are interested in this project please contact the supervisor Christian Calvillo Munoz at christian.calvillo@strath.ac.uk. 

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing comparative policy analysis of offshore wind policy in the UK and China in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

Offshore wind energy plays a vital role in global efforts to transition to sustainable power sources. Both the UK and China are leaders in offshore wind deployment, yet their policy approaches and market dynamics differ significantly. The UK has been a pioneer in offshore wind, leveraging Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms, ambitious renewable targets, and private-sector investment to expand capacity. China, on the other hand, has rapidly scaled up its offshore wind infrastructure, utilising state-led planning, grid integration strategies, and government subsidies to drive deployment.

A comparative analysis of their respective policies could reveal insights into how regulatory frameworks, subsidy mechanisms, and industry structures influence deployment rates and costs. 

This study could explore the following areas:

• Policy differences: What are the key distinctions between UK and Chinese offshore wind policies in terms of regulation, financial incentives, and technological innovation?
• Impact on deployment Rates: How have policy frameworks influenced the speed and scale of offshore wind development in each country?
• Impact on costs: What cost drivers emerge from each nation's policy approach? Does one model result in more efficient capital investment or lower overall costs?

A comparative policy analysis would be an effective method to assess offshore wind strategies in the UK and China. This approach would involve:

• reviewing government policies, industry reports, and deployment data
• identifying patterns in subsidy structures, permitting processes, and market regulations
• evaluating lessons from successful initiatives and challenges faced in each country

If you are interested in this project, please contact supervisor Jamie Speirs at jamie.speirs@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing text and discourse analysis of public attitudes to carbon capture and storage in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is considered a critical technology in efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing CO₂ emissions from industrial processes, energy production and potentially directly from the atmosphere. While governments and industries are advancing CCS initiatives, public perception plays a significant role in shaping policy decisions and the future adoption of CCS projects. 

The UK Government has explored public views on CCS through initiatives such as the Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) Public Dialogue, which provided insights into public concerns, levels of awareness, and attitudes toward CCS. However, a broader understanding of how societal attitudes have influenced—and could continue to shape—CCS development in the UK is essential for designing effective communication and engagement strategies.

The study could address the following key areas:

• Public Attitudes and Policy Influence:
  
  • How have perceptions of CCS shaped past policy decisions and funding commitments?
  • Have concerns related to cost, environmental impact, or technology feasibility led to policy adjustments?
• Future Influence on CCS Demonstration Projects:
  
  • How could evolving public attitudes impact future CCS demonstration projects in the UK?
  • What role does community engagement, media representation, and stakeholder communication play in shaping acceptance or resistance?

Text analysis

Analysing policy documents, governmental reports, and media coverage to identify recurring themes, sentiment trends, and shifts in public discourse.

Discourse analysis

Examining how public discussions, stakeholder narratives, and political rhetoric have framed CCS, shaping policy responses and influencing decision-making processes.

If you are interested in this project please contact supervisor Jamie Speirs at jamie.speirs@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing comparative policy analysis on the impact of industrial decarbonisation on local communities in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

The decarbonisation of industries is a critical element of achieving net-zero emissions. While this transition offers long-term environmental benefits, it also has potentially profound social and economic implications for local communities that traditionally depended on carbon-intensive industries for employment and economic stability. Decarbonisation could affect communities differently depending on factors such as the industry involved, regional economic resilience, and government support mechanisms. 

For example, areas with strong industrial legacies—such as steel production, mining, or manufacturing—may face challenges similar to those experienced during past periods of de-industrialisation. In that sense, the extent of economic disruption, workforce displacement, and shifts in public perception towards climate policies all shape the local experience of decarbonisation. Therefore, understanding the effects of this industrial transition, along with lessons from past industrial changes, is essential to facilitate a just and equitable transition.

A structured investigation into this topic could focus on several key areas:

• Identifying affected communities:
  
  • Which communities are most likely to experience significant economic and social changes due to local industry decarbonisation?
  • How do regional dependencies on carbon-intensive industries influence vulnerability to transition policies?
• Comparing impacts to historical de-industrialisation:
  
  • How do the effects of current decarbonisation compare to historical instances of de-industrialisation?
  • Have lessons from previous economic shifts informed contemporary approaches to mitigating negative consequences? 

Public attitudes toward net-zero and local decarbonisation:

• What are the prevailing views within affected communities regarding net-zero goals?
  
  • How do perceptions of local decarbonisation policies shape support or opposition towards broader climate initiatives?

Research methods

To explore these questions, the following research methods could be employed:

• Comprehensive literature reviews
  • Examining existing studies on industrial decline, workforce transitions, and the socio-economic effects of climate policies.
• Comparative policy analyses
  • Evaluating different policy frameworks used to support communities through industrial transformation, drawing insights from both past and present examples.

Students interested in this project should feel free to contact supervisor Antonios Katris at antonios.katris@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing interviews and comparative policy analysis on Scottish perceptions on nuclear power generation in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

The debate over nuclear energy in Scotland remains complex, shaped by political, environmental, and social factors. While nuclear power could potentially have a role in a future net zero electricity system, public attitudes toward its development vary based on historical concerns, safety perceptions, and alternative renewable energy ambitions.

The public discussion surrounding nuclear power in Scotland has been influenced by factors such as past energy policies, decommissioning plans for existing nuclear plants, and the Scottish Government’s stance on new nuclear developments. The latter has led in the past in instances where the UK Government explored the possibility of developing new nuclear generation capacity in Scotland, against the opposition expressed by the Scottish Government.

This study could focus on several key areas:

• Current public attitudes
  • What is the prevailing view among Scottish communities regarding the potential development of new nuclear power plants?

• Key influencing factors
  • What are the primary drivers behind these attitudes? Do concerns about environmental impact, safety, or government policy play a significant role?

• Variation in Perception by Project Type: Would public attitudes shift depending on the type of nuclear development proposed, such as conventional nuclear plants versus small modular reactors?

Research methods

• Interviews
  • Conducting surveys or qualitative interviews with Scottish residents to gather first-hand perspectives on nuclear energy.

•  Literature analysis
  • Reviewing existing studies, reports, and media coverage on Scottish opinions towards nuclear power.

• Comparative policy analysis
  • Examining how Scotland’s public sentiment compares to attitudes in other regions where nuclear energy is being debated or developed.

If you are interested in this project, please contact supervisor Antonios Katris at antonios.katris@strath.ac.uk.

Position

Applications are invited to undertake an MRes doing thematic and comparative policy analysis on the development of a Hydrogen economy in Scotland in the Centre for Energy Policy.

Project summary

Scotland has positioned itself as a key player in the transition to low-carbon energy, with hydrogen being a potential component in achieving net-zero targets. The development of a hydrogen economy involves infrastructure investment, policy frameworks, and market demand. Understanding the conditions necessary for establishing a thriving hydrogen sector requires examining ambitions at the national level, economic feasibility, and regulatory commitments.

The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy Update provides critical insights into the evolving policy landscape and investment priorities for hydrogen development. This document outlines targets for hydrogen capacity expansion, expected timelines, and the broader vision for hydrogen integration across industries.

A structured investigation into Scotland’s hydrogen economy could focus on the following key areas:

• National and regional hydrogen development ambitions:
  
  • What are Scotland’s and the UK’s stated goals for hydrogen capacity development?
  • Over what timeframes will expansion occur, and what industries will be prioritised?
  • What characteristics will define the hydrogen sector in Scotland (e.g., scale, production methods such as green vs. blue hydrogen, and primary consumers)?

• Investment requirements and cost projections:
  
  • How much capital investment is necessary to establish large-scale hydrogen infrastructure?
  • What will be the expected price of hydrogen production and distribution?
  • How do projected costs compare with other clean energy alternatives

• Policy commitments supporting hydrogen development:
  
  • What current policies exist to incentivize hydrogen adoption in Scotland and the UK?
  • What further regulatory commitments are anticipated to drive sector growth?
  • How does Scotland’s hydrogen strategy align with international developments?

Research methods

• Thematic analysis
  • Examining government reports, industry publications, and stakeholder interviews to identify recurring themes and strategic priorities.

• Comparative policy analysis
  • Evaluating Scotland’s hydrogen policies against those of other regions with strong hydrogen agendas to identify best practices and lessons learned.

If you are interested in this project please contact supervisor Antonios Katris at antonios.katris@strath.ac.uk.