Assessing the Health Impacts of Adaptive and Maladaptive Housing Design Interventions in the UK's Changing Climate

About the project

About the Project Supervisory Team: Dr Masoud Sajjadian, Climate Change is transforming how homes are designed or refurbished to protect occupants from extreme weather conditions. This project will investigate how adaptive and maladaptive housing design interventions affect public health in the UK. The project aims to generate evidence that supports healthier and more climate-resilient housing. Human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the UK, posing significant challenges to housing and public health. Carbon-focused housing design measures, including energy-efficient retrofits, enhanced insulation, and improved airtightness, are increasingly promoted to support net zero targets and alleviate fuel poverty. While many of these interventions provide important health benefits, some may also unintentionally increase health risks, such as overheating, poor indoor air quality, dampness, and mould. This project will investigate the health impacts of adaptive and maladaptive housing design interventions in the UK. The research will examine how housing adaptations influence physical and mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations, and evaluate the effects of different design strategies on health outcomes. The project aims to generate evidence that supports the development of healthier, climate-resilient housing. You'll develop expertise in climate change adaptation, building simulation, housing, public health, and the built environment. The project will involve digital modelling and simulation, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and policy analysis. The findings will contribute to improving housing standards, informing climate adaptation policy, and supporting the delivery of healthy, sustainable homes that are resilient to future climate risks. This project offers an opportunity to address a pressing societal challenge at the intersection of climate change, housing, and public health, with direct relevance to UK policy and practice. Entry requirements You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of the following: architecture architectural engineering building engineering civil engineering building physics a relevant discipline Essential skills: strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team Desirable skills: master's degree in a related field experience or interest in building performance simulation, climate change adaptation, housing, public health, quantitative or qualitative research methods, or data analysis Fees and funding We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages. How to apply Apply now You need to: choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences select Full time or Part time search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175) add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application Applications should include: your CV (resumé) 2 academic references degree transcripts and certificates to date English language qualification (if applicable) Contact us Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences If you have a general question, feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk . Project leader For an initial conversation, S.M.Sajjadian@soton.ac.uk . The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

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