PhD in Geography: Pixel2Policy (PhD)

Tuition fees are 6,783 USD per year, and the application deadline for the Sep 2027 intake is Aug 21, 2027.

Overview

This project investigates how satellite-derived indicators can be co-produced with policymakers and communities to better reflect real needs and lived realities. Bridging Earth observation, participation, and policy, it aims to make satellite data more inclusive, credible, and impactful in decision-making.

About this opportunity

Imagery (satellite data and beyond) are increasingly used to inform public policy across domains such as environmental management, urban planning, climate adaptation, and social equity. Advances in data availability and analytics have enabled the development of sophisticated indicators describing environmental conditions, exposures, and spatial change. However, a persistent challenge remains: many EarthObservation-derived data products are designed with limited input from the end-users who interpret, apply, or are represented by them in policy processes.

This PhD project will investigate how satellite data can be more effectively translated into policy-relevant evidence through closer interaction with end-users. The central aim is to explore how satellite-derived indicators can be co-produced with stakeholders—including policymakers, practitioners, and affected communities—to improve their relevance, legitimacy, and uptake in decision-making. The project will examine how satellite data can move beyond top-down monitoring to support participatory, inclusive, and accountable evidence generation for policy.

Research Methods

The PhD will combine quantitative analysis with qualitative and participatory research methods. The candidate will work with satellite datasets to develop or adapt indicators for policy use. A small number of case studies will be selected in collaboration with partners, allowing the candidate to test how products perform across different policy and social contexts. Stakeholder engagement will be a core component of the research.

Training, Collaboration & Project Structure

The candidate will receive training in geospatial analysis, and satellite data processing, alongside training in policy analysis and participatory research methods. The project will be embedded within a collaborative research environment, with opportunities to work closely with scientists, social scientists, and policy partners, and to engage with external organisations using satellite data in decision-making. The first year will focus on skills development, data collection, familiarisation with relevant datasets and methods, and detailed project design. Subsequent years will be dedicated to independent research, synthesis of results, journal article preparation, and thesis submission, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

The University of Liverpool, founded in 1882 and located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, is a research-intensive institution with a global student body of around 32,000, including approximately 17,700 international students. The university offers a wide range of programs—over 200—across sciences, engineering, humanities, health and business, combining rigorous academics with practical industry links. Its historic campus and city connections provide a lively cultural setting and strong transport links across the UK and beyond.

Research and employability are central to the Liverpool experience, with interdisciplinary projects, industry partnerships and extensive placement opportunities embedded in many degrees. Students benefit from modern facilities, dedicated career services and a supportive academic community that helps translate theory into professional practice. The university's global networks also create exchange and collaboration pathways for study abroad and joint research.

International students receive comprehensive support from pre-arrival guidance to on-campus services, including English language support, visa advice and student societies that foster social integration. Liverpool’s affordable living costs relative to other UK cities, combined with its cultural life and sporting traditions, make it attractive to students seeking a balanced academic and social experience. The University of Liverpool is well-suited to ambitious students aiming for impactful research, strong career outcomes and a cosmopolitan student life.