Ph.D. project climate labeling

Project: „Behavioral Effects of Climate Labeling“

Hosted by: Brandenburg Medical School (MHB)

Premise: 20-30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world arise from consumption of food, the

urgency of climate change makes it necessary to reduce the footprint of eating. An average meal in Northern Europe has a climate impact of 1.7 kg CO2, but fulfilment of the United Nations goals requires this to be cut by at least half. There are various initiatives for a carbon label of

restaurant meals and supermarket groceries in different countries, where consumers can get a direct estimation of the impact of the menu items. The goal of this project is to further develop carbon labels and test to what extent these menu labels are effective.

Details: The preferred starting date is from 1 November 2022 and will run for 3 years. The department is located in Alte Gymnasium in Neuruppin, Brandenburg. You will be involved with in the following tasks:

• Developing a literature review on carbon labelling and consumption behaviour
• Evaluating data from parallel experiments being conducted by partners
• Comparing effects of different carbon labels in use
• Formulating recommendations on design and information content for increased effectiveness
• Conducting trials measuring how an app-based food carbon counter can promote behavioura change among consumers

Requirements:

• A good level of English and German is essential. Good oral and written communication abilities
• Above-average university degree, Preferred educational focus in any of the following: psychology, economics, sustainability, communications, food systems, information design
• You have not started your PhD thesis yet; if you have been working scientifically on your topic since more than one year after obtaining your university degree, we consider that you have started your PhD thesis
• Knowledge of statistics and experimental design
• Experience working on virtual collaborations
• Project management experience is a plus

Benefits:

• funding period: 36 months
• monthly grant: 1.500 €
• monthly material expenses: 210€
• further material expenses if applicable
• support for scholars with children if applicable
• mentoring by DBU staff
• one week seminar per year for presenting your results, excursions and interdisciplinary networking
• invitation to events of the DBU
• networking between scholars and alumni