Understanding Net Zero Decision Making and Climate Policy Research

Understanding Net Zero Decision Making and Climate Policy Research

The drive toward a net-zero future involves complex challenges that require deep understanding and effective strategies. At the heart of this transition lies the critical area of decision-making and climate policy. This field examines how governments, institutions, and citizens make choices that shape our environmental future. Understanding the dynamics of these decisions is key to developing policies that are both effective and equitable.

The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded PhD project focused on “Institutional Cultures and Citizen Engagement for Net Zero Decision Making.” This program aims to explore the intricate ways climate policy is formed and how public input can be integrated. It is designed for students interested in climate governance, public policy, and the political economy of net-zero transitions within the United Kingdom. This research opportunity is part of the broader PACT Centre initiative, a significant collaboration funded by UK Research and Innovation and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The PACT Centre: A Collaborative Approach to Climate Goals

The PACT (Production and Consumption Transformations) Centre is a four-year research initiative bringing together the University of Manchester, the University of Leeds, and the University of Sussex. This partnership is jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The center’s main goal is to understand how production and consumption systems can be transformed to meet climate targets, improve energy efficiency, and support sustainable societal changes.

PACT’s work is designed to provide practical insights that can influence government policies, climate governance structures, public engagement strategies, and the planning of net-zero transitions. The center actively collaborates with government departments, civil society groups, campaign organizations, and private sector businesses. Through this collaboration, PACT investigates how political, economic, and social systems impact the UK’s journey toward net-zero emissions, ensuring that this transition is fair, inclusive, and effective.

Key Research Areas within the PACT Programme

PACT organizes its extensive research into three main analytical areas. These lenses help to dissect the multifaceted nature of climate policy and societal transformation.

Accounting and Modelling

This area focuses on the quantitative aspects of climate action. It involves measuring the impacts of various production and consumption systems, analyzing resource efficiency, and developing climate models. Researchers in this stream also evaluate the effectiveness of different sustainability interventions. This data-driven approach provides a foundation for understanding the scale of the challenge and the potential impact of proposed solutions.

Decision-Making Institutions and Cultures

This research stream delves into the human and structural elements of policy creation. It examines the internal cultures of institutions, the processes involved in developing policies, and the governance systems in place. Understanding the coalitions of influence, the role of economic interest groups, and the structures of political decision-making is crucial for identifying barriers and opportunities for change.

Public Impact and Engagement

This lens investigates how climate policies affect the public and how citizens can be involved in the policymaking process. It explores different mechanisms for citizen participation, the real-world impacts of policies on communities, and the importance of social inclusion in environmental governance. Ensuring that policies are understood and supported by the public is a key component of successful climate action.

Opportunities within the Manchester PhD Project

The fully funded PhD project at the University of Manchester is part of the PACT Centre and offers a unique opportunity for doctoral research. The project is titled “Institutional Cultures and Citizen Engagement for Net Zero Decision Making.” Successful applicants will join a leading climate research environment, conducting interdisciplinary research on climate policy and societal transformation. The studentship begins in October 2026 and includes tuition coverage and an annual tax-free stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, with expected increases in subsequent years.

The successful candidate will become part of the respected Climate Citizens research group at the University of Manchester. This group, which includes around 15 research staff and doctoral students within the Tyndall Centre and the Politics Department, offers a strong interdisciplinary setting for research in climate governance and public policy.

Potential Research Topics for the PhD Proposal

Applicants are encouraged to develop a research proposal that aligns with the PACT Centre’s objectives, while also reflecting their personal interests and expertise. The program is particularly interested in proposals that explore the following areas:

• Economic Interest Groups and Climate Policymaking: This could involve studying how businesses and industry groups influence climate policies, examining resistance to net-zero transitions, and analyzing lobbying tactics.
• Cross-National Comparisons: Research could compare public participation models in climate governance across different countries to identify best practices.
• Public Engagement and Policymaking: This topic might investigate how citizen input actually shapes government decisions and how public consultations can be effectively translated into policy actions.
• Climate Governance Case Studies: Analyzing formal and informal routes of influence, the role of trade unions and citizen lobby groups, and the effectiveness of various public consultation methods.
• Cars and Homes as Net-Zero Case Studies: Focusing on specific sectors like sustainable transport policy, housing decarbonization, and the role of consumer behavior in climate transitions.
• Innovative Research Methods: Exploring the use of qualitative research, mixed-methods approaches, process tracing, or the analysis of existing datasets.

The project also provides access to valuable datasets, including those from citizens’ panels and policymaker discussion groups, which can support the proposed research.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be considered for this fully funded PhD opportunity, candidates should hold or expect to obtain at least a 2:1 honors degree or a Master’s degree (or an equivalent international qualification). Academic training in relevant fields such as political science, sociology, political economy, geography, public policy, organizational psychology, or climate governance is required.

Desirable qualifications include professional experience in climate-related fields, prior experience in public engagement research, a strong interest in sustainability and net-zero policy, and expertise in qualitative or mixed-methods research.

The application process requires several documents: a research proposal (maximum two pages), a CV, academic transcripts and certificates, a supporting statement detailing research motivation and relevant skills, contact information for two referees, and an English language certificate if applicable. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The application deadline is Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with the program set to begin in October 2026. Early application is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions