The Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Hub is advertising four, short-term research contracts as part of its Policy Response Unit, that aims to provide the evidence the UK government requires to advance adaptation policy.
About the Hub
The Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub works across the UK to implement and build crucial evidence on the efficacy of adaptation policy and interventions. The Hub is led by King’s College London and is funded by Defra and UKRI. Through its Policy Response Unit, the Hub is working closely with Defra as well as other UK Government departments to coordinate a series of rapid turn-around research projects that will fill critical knowledge gaps relating to climate change adaptation.
About the Policy Response Unit
The Policy Response Unit (PRU) of the MACC Hub responds directly to policy questions from the UK Government, in consultation with the Devolved Administrations. It provides timely and targeted advice to government departments responsible to responding to risks identified through the Climate Change Risk Assessment process. The research has been requested directly by these teams across government to inform their adaptation actions under third National Adaptation Programme. The PRU will issue three calls for research over the next three years.
About the roles
The MACC Hub are seeking to carry out desk-based research on four topics.
1. Trade-offs and co-benefits for on-farm climate adaptation choices
Working with the agri-food climate adaptation team in Defra to assess the trade-offs and co-benefits of a series of proposed adaptation actions within the agricultural sector.
2. Policies to address food system vulnerabilities to climate change in the UK
Working with the agri-food climate adaptation team within Defra to research what other countries are doing to reduce food system vulnerability to climate change, and best practice that could be applicable in the UK.
3. Health impacts of overheating on vulnerable prisoner cohorts and associated policy solutions
Working with the Ministry of Justice to advance understanding on the interdependencies between climate change, vulnerabilities, and health and wellbeing in the justice estate.
4. Adaptation within the Decent Homes Standard
Working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to understand how climate change adaptations could be reflected in the Decent Homes Standard.
You can find out more information about each topic, including research briefs on the MACC Hub website: Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change Hub: Policy Response Unit call for applications – MACC Hub
Key Dates
The submission deadline is 17:00 BST on Friday 4 July. Candidates will be informed of the outcome by Monday 14 July 2025, with the expectation that the successful candidate will be in role by Monday 4 August 2025.
Please email any questions or queries to MACCFlexiblefund@kcl.ac.uk
Visit our website: MACC Hub – MACC Hub