DC 5 – Incorporating knowledge infrastructure to green transitions: learning from campus interventions

Individual PhD Project Information

Host institution: University of Tartu, Estonia

Supervisory team: Prof. Age Poom (PhD main supervisor, University of Tartu), Prof. Marketta Kyttä (PhD co-supervisor, Aalto University), Prof. Aveliina Helm (PhD co-supervisor, University of Tartu), Kertu Vuks (secondment host, City of Tartu)

Enrolment in Doctoral School: Doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences with specialisation in Geography, University of Tartu 

This vacancy has been closed

PhD project description

This PhD project will focus on knowledge transfer between universities and local municipalities to facilitate green transitions in the field of urban mobility and urban biodiversity. The objectives are to (1) understand the role of data and knowledge infrastructure in the decision-making and governance of urban systems and public space when enhancing urban biodiversity, sustainable mobility, and public health; (2) examine stakeholder needs and interactions in public governance with the focus on data literacy, knowledge transfer, citizen science, co-creation, and evidence-based decision making; (3) identify critical intervention points, success factors, and performance measures in the governance process when designing, implementing, and monitoring solutions for healthy, just, and sustainable urban systems.  

A successful project will result in improved understanding of the role of knowledge transfer between universities and local municipalities, and best practices therein, that supports green transition and sustainability in urban areas, specifically in the fields of human mobility and biodiversity.  

Planned secondments:

• City of Tartu, Estonia (Early Fall 2025): Focus is on the governance of green transition through knowledge transfer, spatial planning, and systematic interventions that facilitate sustainable mobility and biodiversity in the urban area.  
• Aalto University, Finland (Spring 2026): Visiting Fellowship at the Department of Built Environment 

Essential requirements

• You have completed a master’s degree in human geography, urban studies, spatial planning, public governance, sociology, or a related social science field, preferably acquired recently, or possess corresponding qualifications that could provide a basis for successfully completing a doctorate. 
• Specialization in urban planning will be beneficial. 
• If you finish your master’s degree in the spring of 2024, you are also welcome to apply. The master’s studies should be finished by 1 August 2024. 
• You have a keen interest in urban studies, sustainable and inclusive mobility, and green transitions.  
• You have solid and documented abilities for conducting qualitative research in social sciences. 
• You have proven your proficiency in English language equivalent to B2 level by following criteria specified here: https://ut.ee/en/sisu/phd-language-requirements. 
• You did not reside or carry out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Estonia for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account. 
• You are ambitious, well organized, a team player, and have excellent communication skills. 
• You have the ability to work independently and have a critical mindset. 
• You are a pro-active and motivated person, eager to participate in network-wide training events, international mobility, and public dissemination activities.