Delivering pathways to healthier and safer lives in developing countries through innovative data collection tools and procedures for road traffic collisions

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU/International)

Duration: Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 3rd May 2021

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2021

For queries contact Dr Huw Davies.

Introduction

Coventry University is inviting applications from suitably-qualified graduates for a fully-funded PhD studentship within the Institute for Future Transport and Cities (IFTC).

Project details

Around 90% of the world’s road traffic deaths occur in the low -and middle-income countries (LMICs) despite these countries accounting for 54% of the vehicle parc. The result is a significant social and economic burden that is only increasing with higher rates of motorisation.

The World Health Organisation recommended that successful policies and effective countermeasures from countries with long established systems for road traffic collision reporting should be imported and adapted for resource-constrained LMICs. This research will develop innovative data collection tools and procedures to inform policy makers’ priorities and lead to RTC reduction.

Brazil is a case study. There are 27 states in Brazil and many of the poorer states have a dismal road safety record – three states are even unable to provide any accident data. Nationally, across Brazil, elderly pedestrians are at particularly high risk and motorcycle fatalities are increasing at a rapid rate and the less prosperous regions have higher proportions of vulnerable road user deaths. In common with most LMICs, road safety has not been a political priority in Brazil. It is still largely seen as a behavioural problem and there has been a lack of accountability across the three levels of government.

Funding 

Fully funded single studentship, which includes tuition fees and living expenses for a doctoral candidate over 3.5 years.

Stipend rates will be equivalent to those set by UKRI and will rise annually with a projected average increase of 1.25% per year. CU fees are adjusted yearly in line with the rates set by UKRI.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities. 

Candidate specification

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average. 
  PLUS 
  the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

In addition

• A demonstrable interest in the improvement of road safety

How to apply

All applications require full supporting documentation, and a covering letter – plus an up to 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.