Project
The garment and clothing industry has long been criticized for its unsustainable practices, both in production and consumption. Critical voices highlight recurrent patterns of environmental and societal harm, emphasizing the urgent need for transformation within the fashion and clothing sector. The industry’s ecological, social and ethical challenges have reached a critical point, necessitating active contributions from individuals, communities of practice, companies and other collectives to mainstream sustainability in fashion. This PhD project will examine these challenges and their implications for sustainable development, exploring alternative models, practices, fibers and policies that can drive systemic change in the clothing industry.
Profile
- You hold a master’s degree in geography, sustainable development, sociology, or another relevant social science discipline.
- You have obtained excellent academic results in your previous studies.
- You have a strong interest in qualitative research methods.
- Familiarity with literature on sustainability, fashion and alternative/sustainable fibers (plant and animal based) is an advantage.
- Experience in sustainable development, environmental sociology, geography, or related fields (e.g. Master’s thesis in these areas) is preferred.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
- Proficiency in Spanish and/or French is an advantage.
- You are willing to relocate to Belgium, and travel for fieldwork as required.
- As a PhD student, you will assist in teaching activities and supervise master’s theses (a few hours per week on average)
Offer
- A fully funded PhD scholarship for one year, extendable to 3.5 years after positive evaluation.
- A dynamic and interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Division of Geography & Tourism at KU Leuven.
- Office space at KU Leuven’s Arenberg campus.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Constanza Parra Novoa, tel.: +32 16 37 95 50, mail: constanza.parra@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Anton Van Rompaey, tel.: +32 16 32 64 03, mail: anton.vanrompaey@kuleuven.be.
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