The South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP) has continuously evolved to ensure that students’ research aligns with cutting-edge interdisciplinary priorities and global challenges. This commitment reflects our focus on equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to address complex societal issues through innovative and collaborative research.
To foster interdisciplinary expertise, students are required at the application stage to locate their proposed research within at least one of seven thematic clusters. These clusters have been developed through the integration of insights from the previous Thematic Cluster Pathways (TCPs), the priorities set by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Thematic Clusters Overview
Sustainability & Resilience
TC Coordinator: Yue Wu, University of Southampton.
Focus:
Highlighting environmental sustainability and the ability to adapt to change, this cluster seeks solutions for building resilient ecosystems and communities in the face of global challenges.
Past activity: In 2024–2025 we had an introductory workshop to highlight sustainability issues across different fields, hosted a poster event to showcase ongoing sustainability and resilience research, and delivered a mini-conference that encouraged cross-disciplinary discussion and collaboration.
Planned activity: In 2025–2026 we are planning to build on this momentum by offering more in-depth thematic workshops, expanding our research-sharing events, and creating additional opportunities for networking and collaboration across the cluster.
Health & Wellbeing
TC Coordinator: Dianna Smith, University of Southampton
Focus:
Addressing both physical and mental health, this cluster examines the determinants of health and strategies to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and communities across varying contexts.
Past activity: In 2024-2025 we addressed the challenges of secondary trauma in research as we often conduct research on emotionally challenging topics. Our away day included making plans for researcher wellbeing. Two students have established a Trauma in Research Special Interest Group to support all SCDTP students.
Planned activity: In 2025-26 we are planning to support training in spatial data analysis and mapping, led by one of the students.
Citizenship & Security
TC Coordinator: Ed Stoddard, University of Portsmouth
Focus:
Examining critical issues related to governance, rights, and security, this cluster explores how societies can uphold justice, ensure public safety, and promote democratic values in a changing world.
Past activity: In 2024–25 we had roundtables and research update meetings, giving students opportunities to present thesis outlines (for new starters), draft chapters, and conference papers.
Planned activity: In 2025–26, we are planning initiatives around funding, international engagement and networking, impact, and new technologies. This will include a citizenship & security-oriented postdoctoral funding training session, impact workshop, online collaborative workshop with partner organisations outside the UK, and AI hackathon.
Population & Policy
TC Coordinator: Paul Bridgen, University of Southampton
Focus:
Addressing the dynamics of population change, including migration, aging, and urbanisation, this cluster explores the implications of these trends for public policy and social.
Past activity: In 2024-2025 we focused on the policy implications of research, particularly the processes involved in making policy impact. We heard from Gareth Giles of Public Policy Southampton that it is never too early to think about making contacts with policymakers, and that impact is possible while you are a PhD student. Socially, we spent a lovely afternoon last summer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Planned activity: In 2025-26 we are planning to further develop our policy focus, thinking about the obstacles to policy change and how they can be overcome. We will also be exploring the interface between population and policy. Socially, at least one meeting will be held in Brighton, which will include a visit to Brighton Pavilion.
Learning & Behaviour
TC Coordinator: Michael Jopling, University of Brighton
Focus:
Dedicated to understanding education, cognition, and behavioural sciences, this cluster addresses how individuals and groups learn, adapt, and thrive in diverse environments.
Past activity: In 2024-2025 we held online meetings scoping out the interests and experiences of the cluster members and highlighting common areas across disciplines. We looked in particular at research design and priorities for academic writing.
Planned activity: In 2025-26 we have a webinar and opportunities to share research interests and we are planning events on academic writing and research methods and a cluster trip to explore issues around behaviour.
Data Skills & Methods
TC Coordinator: Dalia Tsimpida, University of Southampton
Focus:
Providing a foundation in advanced research methodologies and data analysis, this cluster equips students with the tools to handle complex datasets and derive meaningful insights.
Past activity: In 2024–25, activities focused on engagement, research skills development, and professional growth. We enjoyed bi-monthly online meetings and have a dedicated Teams channel. We had a two-day retreat with workshops on risk analysis, writing policy briefs for non-academic audiences, and data skills and methods, alongside guided group walks to support wellbeing.
Planned activity: In 2025–26 we will jointly organise training in spatial data analysis and mapping with the Health & Wellbeing cluster. We will also host a retreat (details TBC) to further support skill development and peer networking.
Innovation & Enterprise
TC Coordinator: TBC
Focus:
Investigating the intersections of entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and business practices, this cluster focuses on fostering economic growth and innovative solutions for modern challenges.
Planned activity: In 2025-26 we are planning to link up with other clusters and liaise with students for other plans.
These thematic clusters are reviewed regularly to remain relevant to students’ diverse research interests and to align with evolving global priorities. By aligning their work with one or more clusters, students gain access to targeted resources, expert guidance, and collaborative networks. This structure not only enhances their interdisciplinary skills but also positions them to make meaningful contributions to their respective fields and to society at large.
