PhD in Animal Studies

Research on “just transitions" has largely focused on human communities, overlooking how animals are also part of social and environmental change. This project, co-created with The Donkey Sanctuary, reframes that challenge to imagine more inclusive and sustainable futures across species. Donkeys are active in tourism, therapy, conservation and companionship contexts yet are often overlooked in economic and policy debates. The project explores how fostering more caring, equitable human-donkey relationships can model a less human-centred approach to decent work and socioecological justice. Using participatory and ethnographic methods, the successful candidate will map donkey visibility, document everyday practices of mutual care and co-produce an impactful “Shared Responsibility” guide with local partners. Location: Manchester. Expected start date: October 2026. Duration: three-year award.