Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk Resilience (i-Risk) PhD

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The Informatics for Multi-hazard Risk Reduction (i-Risk) programme aims to train interdisciplinary doctoral researchers with the skills needed to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, natural hazards, and systemic risk. The programme will equip doctoral researchers with the knowledge, technical expertise, and collaborative skills required to understand, predict, and manage complex multi-hazard risks across natural, engineered, and societal systems. Each doctoral project will result in a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field and contains original research worthy of publication.

i-Risk focuses on harnessing advances in digital informatics, including high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital twins, to transform how disaster risks are analysed, forecasted, and communicated. Through interdisciplinary research and close collaboration with industry, government agencies, and international partners, the programme will develop innovative tools, models, and decision-support systems that enhance the resilience of communities and infrastructure. By integrating technological innovation with societal understanding of risk, the programme aims to generate impactful solutions that support effective disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The programme outcomes are informed by relevant national and institutional frameworks, including:

• The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ) – Doctoral Degree Characteristics Statement (QAA)
• QAA Subject Benchmark Statements relevant to the disciplines represented in the programme (e.g. Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Geography)
• Credit Level Descriptors for Higher Education (SEEC)
• UKRI/NERC doctoral training expectations and guidance for doctoral programmes
• Loughborough University Quality Reviews and monitoring processes, including Programme Approval and Periodic Review procedures
• Research Council annual monitoring and review processes

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:

1. the theoretical foundations, current literature, and emerging developments in multi-hazard risk reduction and climate resilience
2. relevant methods, tools, and analytical approaches, including digital informatics techniques such as high-performance computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital twins applicable to their topics of research
3. the role of stakeholder engagement, policy, and decision-support frameworks in translating scientific knowledge into practical disaster risk reduction strategies.

Skills and other attributes

Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to:

1. lead the creation, development, and implementation of an original and significant programme of research that advances knowledge in multi-hazard risk reduction through the production of a PhD thesis
2. demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry generate new insights in complex risk systems
3. critically evaluate current research, data sources, models, and analytical techniques relevant to multi-hazard risk analysis and management
4. integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex and systemic risk challenges.

Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers should be able to:

1. apply appropriate quantitative, computational, and analytical methods to investigate hazard processes and risk dynamics
2. develop and implement data-driven and/or physically-based modelling approaches to analyse, predict, and manage multi-hazard risks
3. design and conduct rigorous research using appropriate data management, modelling, and computational practices.

Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, Doctoral Researchers will be able to:

1. work autonomously and collaboratively in planning and implementing complex research projects
2. communicate research findings clearly and effectively to academic, policy, industry, and community audiences
3. demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in addressing complex societal challenges
4. translate research outcomes into practical insights for policy, industry, and societal stakeholders
5. demonstrate effective time management, leadership, and organisational skills in delivering impactful research.

University Regulations for Postgraduate Research study are set out in Regulation XXVI (Higher Degrees by Research). 

Please see the Terms and Conditions of Study for detailed information on your contract with the University.

The i-Risk doctoral programme follows the structure for postgraduate research degrees set out in Regulation XXVI (Higher Degrees by Research). Doctoral Researchers progress through three stages: Part R1, Part R2 and Part R3, during which they undertake their doctoral research alongside structured interdisciplinary training and professional development activities.

In addition to their individual research projects, all Doctoral Researchers are expected to participate in the i-Risk cohort training programme. This provides interdisciplinary training in areas including multi-hazard risk analysis, digital informatics, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and decision-support systems. The cohort-based training is delivered in addition to the standard requirement of 10 days per annum professional development training and is designed to progressively develop technical, collaborative, and leadership skills across R1–R3.

Cohort training activities

Induction/partner interaction week (~Oct)

Hosted in rotation across partner HEIs, this establishes cohort identity, interdisciplinary understanding, and engagement with stakeholders. Activities include keynote “Big Ideas”, team-building, and a partner-led sandpit to co-develop research challenges and future PhD topics. R2 and R3 students contribute to mentoring, technical support, and research guidance, reinforcing peer learning across cohorts. Targeted training in ethics and Responsible Research and Innovation is embedded.

Hackathon and output communication (~Mar/Apr)

Interdisciplinary student teams develop software-based solutions to partner-defined challenges using real-world datasets and case studies. This activity develops technical capability (data analytics, modelling), teamwork, and leadership. Roles evolve across stages: R1 focuses on coordination and communication, R2 on quality control and technical development, and R3 on project leadership and delivery. Outputs are presented to academic and stakeholder panels. Partner-designed training is also provided on networking, CV building, communication of risk to different audiences, elevator pitches, and knowledge transfer.

Conference and writing retreat (~Jul/Aug)

Students participate in international conferences (e.g. UNESCO Chair events), supported by a dedicated writing retreat. R1/R2 students present posters or papers, while R3 students lead sessions or workshops, strengthening academic communication and leadership.

Digital capacity (linear)

Online training delivered through shared platforms (e.g. Slack, GitHub) develops skills in research software engineering, AI ethics, reproducibility, and FAIR data practices. Activities such as code clubs, journal clubs, and collaborative problem-solving support continuous skills development and good research practice.

The programme also promotes collaboration with industry, government agencies, and international partners through workshops, seminars, collaborative research activities, and placement opportunities.

Doctoral Researchers will be informed of the i-Risk training programme through induction events, and regular communications via the programme management team and online platforms (e.g. virtual learning environment).

Assessment and progression

Engagement with the i-Risk cohort training programme  forms part of the academic monitoring of Doctoral Researchers and is reviewed through the University annual review process, in accordance with Regulation XXVI.

Doctoral Researchers  are expected to demonstrate active participation in the i‑Risk cohort training programme. Active participation normally includes:

• attendance at scheduled cohort‑based training activities, whether in person or remotely/online, where such modes of participation are made available;
• meaningful engagement with the academic and professional content of the activities, evidenced through participation records and contributions to group or individual tasks; and
• completion of any required reflective or evaluative components associated with the training.

Unless otherwise specified, cohort‑based training activities are designed to be undertaken in person, reflecting their collaborative and interdisciplinary nature. However, recognising the needs of Doctoral Researchers and the distributed nature of the partnership, remote or hybrid participation is permitted where this is explicitly supported by the activity design or where reasonable adjustments are agreed in advance with the programme team.

Engagement with cohort training is evidenced through:

• participation records; and
• a brief reflective summary included within annual progress review documentation, outlining training undertaken, skills developed, and relevance to the Doctoral Researcher’s research and professional development.

Supervisory teams, independent reviewers, and the progression board will review this alongside the Doctoral Researcher’s overall academic progress. Where engagement with cohort training is below expectations, appropriate remedial action will be agreed, which may include additional or alternative training activities, clarification of expectations, or  a targeted training plan.

Flexibility and additional training

Recognising diverse student backgrounds, i-Risk provides flexible access to additional subject-related training, including MSc modules across partner institutions and specialist training delivered by international collaborators (e.g. UNESCO Chair programmes and international summer schools). Students are encouraged to undertake placements with industry, government agencies, and international partners to develop applied skills and enhance research impact.

Part R1

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

• Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.
• Participation in cohort-based training activities, including the induction week, interdisciplinary workshops, research seminars, and specialist technical training relevant to multi-hazard risk reduction. A reflective summary must be included within the progression reports. Exceptionally, where participation in specific cohort based training activities is not possible during Part R1, equivalent activities may be undertaken during Part R2, subject to Programme Leader approval.
• Development of the doctoral research proposal, literature review, and methodological framework with guidance from the supervisory team.
• Submission of a 2,000-word (FT) or 5,000-word (PT) research report at the mid-way point of Part 1 and submission of a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part 1 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI. These reports assess the development of the research project, including literature review, research design, and methodological feasibility.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R1 will follow the schedule below.

Part R2

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

• Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.
• Continued participation in i-Risk training activities, including advanced technical training, interdisciplinary research workshops, and collaborative activities with programme partners. A reflective summary must be included within the progression reports.
• Opportunities to undertake research placements with partner organisations, including industry, government agencies, and international research institutions, enabling Doctoral Researchers to apply their research to real-world risk management challenges. Research placements will be optional and, where undertaken, must align with the doctoral research project and comply with relevant visa requirements.
• For PhD candidates, submission of a mid-part review for part time Doctoral Researchers, and a satisfactory 10,000-word research report (end of Part report) towards the end of Part R2 in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R2 will follow the schedule below.

For MPhil candidates, submission of their formal MPhil thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI at the end of part R2.

Part R3

Doctoral Researchers will complete the following:

• Full-time Doctoral Researchers are normally expected to complete 10 days per annum of professional development training, with part-time Doctoral Researchers completing a suitable equivalent.
• Continued research activities leading to the completion of the doctoral thesis.
• Participation in knowledge exchange activities, including presenting research at conferences, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to collaborative projects within the i-Risk network.
• Submission of a written report detailing the plan for submission (mid-Part report, expected 12 months into R3 for full-time students, and at 12 months and 24 months into R3 for part-time students).
• At the end of R3, submission of a formal PhD thesis for examination in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.

Typically, the timetable for reports in R3 will follow the schedule below.

Doctoral Researchers are expected to complete their research within the 3.5-year funded period.

In line with University regulations, a final submission period of up to 4 years (full-time) will be permitted to allow for thesis completion and submission. Where the thesis is not ready for submission at the end of part R3, Doctoral Researchers must submit a written report detailing the plan for submission.

To progress from Part R1 to Part R2 and from Part R2 to Part R3, and to be eligible for an award, candidates must satisfy the assessment requirements set out in Regulation XXVI and any additional criteria for PhD progression that apply to doctoral researchers in the academic school in which they are registered. Candidates must complete all the requirements for each Part outlined above in order to progress to the next Part. If an end of part report does not meet the standards required for progression, candidates may undertake further work and resubmit the report on one occasion only in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XXVI.