We are inviting applications for PhD positions with a start date of September 2027 to be based at York University, in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, in Toronto, Canada, and in partnership with the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab.
About the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab
The International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab (IEFLL) is an initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of the Anthropocene. With humanity's resource demand surpassing the planet's resource capacity, it is vital to train a new generation of sustainability leaders equipped with the skills to navigate big data and drive just and equitable transitions.
This interdisciplinary project is focused on the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, with an integration of empirical research and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEDI) to foster a scientifically informed, just, and sustainable transition through an international partnership of academics and practitioners.
The partnership empowers researchers to advance the measurement and application of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, to inform policy and advocacy work, and to explore the complex interactions within social-economic-ecological systems. We also emphasize the relevance of qualitative research on DEDI, spatial scaling, and adaptation to emerging climate change issues. Join us to help shape a future where humans and the biosphere thrive in balance, tackling global ecological crises head-on through innovative research, inclusive training, collaboration, and outreach.
About the ES PhD program: Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
How to apply:
In advance of applying to the program, interested applicants should email Eric Miller with an initial statement of interest. Expect that Eric may reply with an invitation to an online meeting to discuss interests and to receive feedback on applying to the program. Note that a “good fit” with the Ecological Footprint Learning Lab does not guarantee admission in the PhD Program in Environmental Studies.
A formal application to the PhD program in Environmental Studies at York University must be received through an application at: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/graduate/apply-now/
Funding: PhD students receive an attractive funding package from York University and from the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Supplemental funding is offered from the International Ecological Footprint Learning Lab as a Research Assistant.
Project funding of PhD students is focused on supporting one of four research themes:
Simulation modelling and metrics: scenarios and projections of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity, material flows and circular economics, planetary boundaries, stock-flow-consistent ecological macroeconomics, applying extended input-output analysis
Responsive scaling: derivations of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity across various geographical scales or socioeconomic strata, with the use and integration of earth observation data or data that is not spatially explicit but does relate to specific scales or strata.
Community applications: engaging with individuals and groups of people to understand how data can be generated and be applied and communicated to support changes in footprint and wellbeing and alignment with other mutual interests and values.
National applications: improving upon the methodology of deriving and applying National Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts and how this interfaces with other systems of national accounting including Ecosystem Accounts and economic accounts within the System of Environmental Accounting (SEEA).
