University Joins New Social Science Training Partnership

The University will benefit as a raft of new Doctoral Training Partnerships,  focused on creating future leaders within social science research, have been announced by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC).

The University is a member of the South and East Network for Social Sciences (SENSS) – a collaboration of eight leading UK universities – which was announced as one of fifteen new Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) created by ESRC funding today.

The University of Lincoln will join lead partner the University of Essex – along with City University, Cranfield University, the University of East Anglia, the University of Essex, Goldsmiths, University of London, Middlesex University, and the University of Roehampton – in offering fully funded PhD studentships aimed at training the next generation of world class social scientists.

SENSS will create opportunities for students to study around six key research themes, including Sustainability & Climate Emergency, Digital Social Sciences, and Health, Well-Being & Social Care; with the ultimate aim of creating a fairer, healthier, more sustainable world.

The PhD studentships will focus on high quality, cutting edge training, tailored to each researcher’s needs, and offer students the opportunity to benefit from external placements to ensure they are prepared for employment in diverse sectors.

The University of Lincoln’s inclusion in the partnership recognises its commitment to research excellence in social sciences and the University’s established track record and expertise in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) – particularly through the work of its Eleanor Glanville Institute – which supports the SENSS’ ambitions to be sector-leading in EDI, reflecting the communities of its eight partners.

Coupled with its commitment to EDI and genuinely interdisciplinary research, SENSS builds on the ambitions of all its partner institutions’ aims to be at the heart of their communities and reflects the civic character shown in their links to industry, government, and the voluntary sector.

Richard Barnes, Professor of Law at the University, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the SENSS DTP and to work within a network of outstanding researchers across the social sciences.  This is a significant step in our research ambitions. Crucially, SENSS aligns with our values, particularly diversity and inclusivity.

“It will provide new opportunities for future researchers to work on important societal challenges, such as Net Zero and coastal and rural health.  SENSS will enrich our research environment through collaborative PhD opportunities, as well as access to cutting edge research training and development.”

SENSS will welcome its first cohort of funded students in October 2024. Anyone looking to apply for a studentship or just to find out more about this exciting new network should go to the SENSS website at http://senss.ac.uk.