Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship Opportunity

An exciting UCD Teagasc Walsh Scholarship opportunity with the research project title  “Shouldering the Burden: Understanding the economic and social impacts of sudden farm deaths and traumatic injuries on farm enterprises, families and communities”

Background

Farming is recognised as a dangerous occupation with high levels of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Much research has rightly focused on understanding occupational risks and developing preventive actions. Considerably less research has been undertaken, either nationally or internationally, to understand the economic and social impacts of deaths and injuries for farm businesses, households and the wider farming community. The absence of this knowledge hinders the development of appropriate supports to farm households and the wider farming community impacted by serious injuries and sudden death. The proposed study will apply a qualitative or mixed methods approach, depending on the successful candidates interests and skills, to understand the socio-economic impact of traumatic injuries and sudden death on farm enterprises, assess the impacts on holders, households and the wider community, identify coping mechanisms and supports, and develop guidance documents and recommendations for key stakeholders. Qualitative research will consist of interviews and, where appropriate, focus groups with those who have experienced an injury or families impacted by sudden death of the farm holder, to assess the impact on them and their farm business. Findings will support a better understanding of the impacts of injury and death on farm households, and how they can be supported during these difficult periods. This focus and approach responds to national and international strategic goals and priorities regarding farmer health, safety and wellbeing, and complements research being undertaken as part of the Teagasc led, Horizon Europe funded SafeHabitus project. The project is flexible and open to changes of emphasis depending on the student’s interests and background, which will be discussed at interview stage and at the beginning of the project.

Requirements

Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Upper Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in a relevant discipline (e.g. agricultural science, agricultural education and extension, behavioural science, sociology, geography, etc.) The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and prepared for field work, data analysis, reporting and publication of findings at (inter)national conferences and industry meetings. Fluent English language skills and a full EU driving license are essential. Please see here for English language requirements.

Award

The PhD Scholarship is a joint research project between Teagasc and University College Dublin. The student will be jointly located between Teagasc Ashtown and UCD working under the supervision of Dr. Sinéad Flannery (UCD) and Dr. David Meredith (Teagasc) with additional advice being provided by a project advisory team. The Scholarship will commence in January 2025, or before if possible. Funding will be awarded to the student who will complete the scholarship. The current rate is a stipend of €25,000 per annum, plus a contribution to fees up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum. Any fees in excess of this amount will be addressed by the university, and is tenable for 4 years.

Further Information:

Dr David Meredith, Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc, Ashtown, Co. Dublin. Phone: +353 (0)87 1231208 | Email: (opens in a new window)david.meredith@teagasc.ie

Dr Sinéad Flannery, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin Phone: +353 (0)1 716 7502 | Email: (opens in a new window)sinead.flannery@ucd.ie

Application Procedure Submit an electronic copy of a CV (including names and details of two referees) and a short research/personal statement by email to: Dr David Meredith (opens in a new window)david.meredith@teagasc.ie and Dr Sinéad Flannery (opens in a new window)sinead.flannery@ucd.ie

Closing Date: 30th August 2024

Ref: WS 2024015