A research opportunity has opened at Ulster University for a PhD student to investigate how the defective concrete block crisis is impacting businesses.
The research is led by defective concrete campaigner Dr Eileen Doherty, a Lecturer at Ulster University.
Dr Doherty will supervise the fully funded studentship, which seeks to examine the challenges faced by businesses that are excluded from the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, which is solely for homeowners.
Dr Doherty said: “The defective concrete crisis has had a devastating impact on those families whose homes have been affected. The Irish government launched a scheme in 2020 and a revised scheme in 2023 to provide some financial support for those affected. It is clear that a lot more needs to be done in this respect to support families who find themselves in this position, through absolutely no fault of their own, each of whom have different needs and challenges.
“However, it is also clear that there are other groups completely excluded from this scheme. One of these groups are businesses. This is an area that has received little or no attention and anecdotally we know that businesses are really struggling and the challenges that this crisis presents need to be highlighted. This PhD research project, if a successful candidate can be found, will be the first time that this critical issue will have rigorous research undertaken to best understand these challenges and to finally give these businesses a voice.”
The project is dependent on finding a suitable candidate.
Dr Doherty said: “In order to ensure that this research is undertaken, we need to invite high quality applicants to apply for the PhD.
“There is however, no guarantee as it is a very competitive process with other PhD proposals across the university also on offer. Therefore, we encourage anyone who is interested, who has achieved either a 1st or second class honours degree (or a masters degree with distinction) in either a business related or other discipline such as the built environment, social policy, law, psychology etc to consider applying.
Successful applicants will have their fees covered for 3 years (approx. value 14k) plus a non-taxable maintenance grant of 19,500GBP per year for 3 years. Closing date for completed applications is Monday 24th Feb 2025, with interviews planned for March/April and start date of Sept 2025.
“We encourage applications from potential candidates who already have an interest or some knowledge of the defective concrete crisis, who have an aptitude or interest in undertaking high quality research in this area,” said Dr Doherty.
“The findings of this vital research will inform policy on the issue and hopefully ultimately result in businesses being supported under the scheme.”
For more information or for general queries, please contact Dr Eileen Doherty at e.doherty@ulster.ac.uk
Find out more: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/17-business-and-management-studies/1680508
Submission Deadline: Monday 24 February 2025
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