TEAGASC PHD WALSH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY; THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION SYSTEMS AND INNOVATION ADOPTION ON FARM ECONOMIC OUTCOMES Walsh Scholarship ref. 2023029
Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme and the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre, Department of Economics, Cork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork, invites motivated and talented graduates with outstanding academic records to apply for the Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship for a project titled “The impact of agricultural innovation systems and innovation adoption on farm economic outcomes”.
The supervisory team consists of Prof Justin Doran (Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre), Dr Frank Crowley (Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre), Dr Geraldine Ryan (Department of Accounting and Finance), Dr Jason Loughrey (Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys) and Dr Michele McCormack (Teagasc Catchments Programme).
The national-level and sector-level commitments to reducing emissions have major implications for technology adoption in Irish agriculture. This research will inform stakeholders and wider society about adoption rates for technologies, which are needed to reduce emissions. The research is a collaboration between Teagasc and the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre, Department of Economics, and Department of Food Business & Development, Cork University Business School (CUBS), University College Cork.
We are looking for a PhD candidate who is interested in technology adoption and the relationship between technologies and environmental outcomes in agriculture. The data infrastructure, including the Teagasc National Farm Survey, can be utilised to examine the distribution of GHG emissions across the farming population in Ireland. Recent studies point to the rising adoption of technologies to reduce emissions in agriculture but there is a gap in the literature in relation to the relationship between technology adoption and the distribution of farm income.
The research will explore the mix of policies, which could influence the decision-making of farmers in relation to technology adoption. This project will generate an improved understanding among farmers, policymakers and industry stakeholders about the decision-making of Irish farmers in relation to the varying adoption rates for technologies.
Requirements
The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated with an ability to work independently and be willing to undertake recommended coursework. Strong quantitative skills and good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential requirements.
Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) and ideally hold an M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Economics, Agricultural Economics or related). If the first language of the applicant is not English, the applicant is required to confirm the compliance with English language requirements.
Responsibilities and Duties
• To conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the supervisory team.
• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the supervisory team, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
• The research is expected to produce publications in international peer reviewed journals.
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, School or College.
The PhD student will be based in the Department of Economics and Department of Accounting and Finance, CUBS and will also be a PhD scholar within the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre. CUBS is committed to providing a dynamic and supportive learning and research environment, which recognises the diverse backgrounds and interests of both students and staff. In line with this, the successful applicant will be provided with a supportive supervisory team and will be provided with learning and networking opportunities to attain the highest standards of academic excellence. This scholarship seeks to build on our already strong cohort of PhD scholars.
Award
The Ph.D. Scholarship is a joint research project between Teagasc, Rural Economy and Development Programme and the Department of Economics, University College Cork and is due to begin in October 2023.
The student will work under the supervision team of Prof Justin Doran (Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre), Dr Frank Crowley (Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre), Dr Geraldine Ryan (Department of Accounting and Finance), Dr Jason Loughrey (Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys) and Dr Michele McCormack (Teagasc Catchments Programme) and will be required to undertake coursework during the scholarship as part of the UCC Structured PhD programme.
The scholarship funding is €25,000 per annum, which includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum (flat-rate stipend of €19,000 per annum) and is tenable for 4 years.
Further Information: Prof. Justin Doran, Department of Economics, University College Cork, Cork. Phone +353 (0)21 490 1882 Email: justin.doran@ucc.ie Dr. Jason Loughrey, Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway. Phone +353 (0)91 845 203 Email: jason.loughrey@teagasc.ie
Application Procedure: Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae and a letter of interest simultaneously to: Prof. Justin Doran (justin.doran@ucc.ie) and Dr. Jason Loughrey (Jason.Loughrey@teagasc.ie).
Closing date 5pm Monday July 10th 2023