🌱 About the Field
Household food waste represents a critical challenge in achieving sustainable food systems globally. With nearly 570 million tons of food waste occurring at household level annually, this research area examines behavioral, social, and economic drivers behind food waste generation. Studies in this field contribute to climate change mitigation, as food waste accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers explore innovative strategies to reduce waste, improve food security, and transform consumption patterns toward sustainability. This interdisciplinary field combines nutrition science, environmental studies, and behavioral research to create evidence-based solutions for circular food systems and climate neutrality goals.
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📌 Key Details
✅ Institution: University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
✅ Program: PhD Scholarship in Sustainable Food Systems
✅ Research Focus: Understanding and Reducing Household Food Waste
💰 Funding: Stipend €22,000-€25,000 per annum + PhD tuition fees covered at EU student rate
📅 Start Date: Spring 2026
📅 Duration: 4 years (Full-time, on-campus at UCC)
⏰ Application Deadline: Friday, January 23rd, 2026
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🎯 Requirements
✅ Minimum 2.1 honours degree in relevant discipline
✅ Strong interest in food systems, food and health, and sustainability research
✅ Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills
✅ Ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary team
✅ Strong interpersonal and communication skills
✅ Must be based on campus at University College Cork for full duration
✅ Must reside in Cork, Ireland for 4 years
⚠️ Prior research experience desirable but not essential
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📝 Application Documents Required
📄 CV (Curriculum Vitae)
📝 Cover Letter outlining interest in the Co-Centre and this specific PhD topic
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📚 Research Highlights
This PhD position is part of the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, a collaborative initiative spanning Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain. The project contributes to developing a unique Household Cohort Study – a living research infrastructure exploring how families interact with food, health, and sustainability.
The doctoral research will characterize household food waste to identify opportunities for change, investigating what food is wasted, why, and under what circumstances. Students will work collaboratively with research partners at University of Ulster, Queens University, and University College Dublin.
🎓 Training: PhD students participate in comprehensive Food Systems Training Programme, providing broad understanding of sustainability challenges across the food chain.
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📧 🔗 How to Apply
Email your application to: a.lucey@ucc.ie
Official Page: https://www.ucc.ie/en/hr/vacancies/research/full-details-1918496-en.html
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🚀 Step-by-Step Application Guide
1️⃣ Prepare Your CV: Update your curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic background, research experience, and skills related to food systems and sustainability.
2️⃣ Draft Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that clearly outlines your interest in the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and specifically explains your motivation for this PhD topic on household food waste reduction.
3️⃣ Review Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum 2.1 honours degree requirement in a relevant discipline and can demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.
4️⃣ Submit Application: Email your CV and Cover Letter to a.lucey@ucc.ie before the deadline.
5️⃣ Include Contact Information: Make sure your application includes complete contact details for follow-up.
6️⃣ Deadline Awareness: Submit before Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
7️⃣ Informal Enquiries: For questions, candidates can reach out to a.lucey@ucc.ie before applying.
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