Applications are now open for an exciting Geopark-related PhD project at Loughborough University.
The 3-year fully funded PhD studentship will look at storytelling, sustainability, education, and landscape in Charnwood Forest Geopark and UNESCO designations like World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and the Global Geoparks.
The student who undertakes this unique opportunity will make an important contribution to the programme of the new UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability. The UNESCO Chair is hosted by the Storytelling Academy in the School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University, and was established in June 2025. The Chair is held by Professor Mike Wilson.
Loughborough University’s main campus lies on the edge of Charnwood Forest Geopark, a candidate for UNESCO Global Geopark status. The UNESCO Chair is inviting research proposals around the theme of Storytelling, Sustainability, Education and Landscape, with a particular focus on storytelling and its application to the work of Charnwood Forest Geopark, the UNESCO Global Geoparks and/or other UNESCO designations, such as Biospheres, Creative Cities and World Heritage Sites. The UNESCO Chair is particularly interested in proposals that reflect how the researcher will engage creatively with the work of the UNESCO Chair and use this as a platform to engage more widely with the global network of UNESCO designations, especially in the focal areas of the Chair’s programme, as well as the UK.
For more information, and to apply, see the Loughborough University website. The application deadline is February 28th 2026.
Charnwood Forest Geopark is proud to be supporting this project, which builds on the strength of our Memorandum of Understanding with Loughborough University.