Can collectively remembering environmental change in the past—for example, by holding commemorative events for extinct animal species—motivate action against the climate crisis in the present? Many environmental activists believe so. In parallel, collective memory studies has taken a “nonhuman turn” in recent years that extends the analytical focus beyond human-centered functions of remembering—for example, by discussing grief as a response to environmental change. So far, however, these ideas remain largely theoretical. Important questions have yet to be investigated empirically: Which collective memories have the strongest positive effect on pro-environmental action in the present? Which memories affect pro-environmental action negatively?

They are seeking a PhD student who will contribute to answering these questions through a project on collective memories of deforestation in Aotearoa New Zealand. The PhD project will be co-supervised by Assoc Prof Olli Hellmann (Politics) and Dr Kate Stevens (History). The focus on deforestation is motivated by the fact that the historical loss of forests is important to understand both the intensive environmental transformation wrought by settler colonial agriculture over the past 200 years as well as ongoing public debates on environmental sustainability in Aotearoa NZ.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to specify their own research questions and methods. Possible topics could include: the role of “memory sites” (museums, public heritage spaces, TV documentaries, school textbooks) in constructing collective memories of deforestation; the effect of collective memories on individuals’ pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours; memory activism in relation to historical deforestation; Māori narratives of forests and the loss of forests; the role of collective memories in informing public debates on conservation and other environmental issues; families as a “storeroom” for memories of deforestation.

Eligibility
The general Higher Degrees admission criteria apply.

This vacancy has additional eligibility criteria:

A Bachelors with Honours or Masters degree with a research component of at least 30 points (or equivalent) and have achieved at least Second Class Honours (First Division) or Distinction. We also welcome applications from candidates who are close to finishing their degree.

Timeline
We will begin reviewing applications from 25 September 2023. We will continue to accept and review applications until the position is filled.

How to apply
If you are interested in this vacancy, please email the supervisor. Please include evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria for this vacancy.

The supervisor will let you know whether they have shortlisted you for this vacancy and will advise you of next steps.

For more information, please visit their website.