PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• The broader research centres primarily on how communication could improve pro-environmental behaviours within the context of addressing climate change-related issues and challenges around food security.
• To ascertain media salience and public exposure to climate change and food security issues.
• Determine public perception, knowledge and attitude toward climate change and food security issues.
• Establish the role of media accounts in forming public attitudes and beliefs about climate change and food security.
• Understand the links between media accounts and pro-environmental behaviours (climate change and food security)
• Explore the role of the media, particularly community radio, in galvanising the silent majority, especially the rural population, to embrace climate change and food security efficiency behaviours.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS ARE:

• Prospective fellows must be self-driven with a solid environmental communication research background, especially in the areas of climate change and food security
• Possess a doctoral degree not older than five years in Communication or a closely related discipline.
• Preference will be given to South African Citizens, particularly women, holders of a South African Permanent Residence permit while foreign nationals would need to apply for a permit.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

• Produce at least 2 units per year in DHET-accredited journals.
• Contribute to building the research profile of the Environmental Communication Research Group.
• The PDRF will actively participate in research activities within the Department of Communication and postgraduate students’ supervision and mentoring.