PhD Studentship: Towards Resilient Water Supply Infrastructure and Services in Mexico City

Award Summary

This studentship provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £25,726 plus a research training support grant of £20,000 and 100% fees paid (Home/UK only).  

Overview

Mexico is experiencing an escalating water security crisis shaped by environmental pressures, rapid urbanisation, and complex governance challenges. Nowhere is this more evident than in Mexico City, where chronic water scarcity, climate variability, and weakened infrastructure converge. Major reservoirs and aquifers that supply the capital such as Cutzamala and Lerma are under severe strain, and more than 100 of Mexico’s aquifers are overdrawn. Nearly half of residents lack reliable access to safe water, while extensive leakage across aging systems further reduces supply. These problems are intensified by governance gaps, fragmented administrative boundaries, and historical mismanagement of drainage and supply systems across the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA).

This project will examine the drivers and consequences of water insecurity in Mexico City, with the goal of identifying sustainable, equitable, and long-term strategies for resilient water resource management. The research will explore three core dimensions: transboundary water dynamics, institutional and policy effectiveness, and the impacts of climate variability on urban water systems. Key questions will address how upstream management influences city-level water access, how governance structures shape policy outcomes, and how future climate conditions will affect resilience.

Mixed-methods approach will be adopted, including hydrological and infrastructure assessments, analysis of transboundary agreements, and a political economy review of decision-making. Governance evaluation will combine policy analysis with interviews across government, utilities, and civil society. Modelling and scenario planning will project future supply conditions and assess nature-based and multi-benefit infrastructure solutions to support long-term water security.

Funded by School of Engineering, Newcastle University, this PhD studentship is part of the Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe) CDT 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

28 September 2026

Award Duration

4 years

Application Closing Date

Friday 30 January 2026

Sponsor

School of Engineering, Newcastle University

Supervisors

Professor Claire Walsh and Professor Jaime Amezaga

Eligibility Criteria

An MEng/MSc in a relevant subject or First or upper second class UG degree (2:1). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

This studentship is open to UK/Home applicants only, candidates must meet one of these criteria: 

·        be a UK national 

·        have settled status 

·        have pre-settled status 

·        have indefinite leave to remain or enter. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

·        search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code:8209F 

·        Select ‘PhD Water Infrastructure & Resilience (WIRe)’ as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:  

·        a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  

·        the studentship code WRII2603 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  

·        when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal. 

Contact Details

justine.easten@ncl.ac.uk