The Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre runs an international PhD Network.
The Network brings together a community of PhD students across multiple disciplines who focus on the intersection of vulnerability and policing. It aims to encourage collaboration, learning and innovative research.
The Network provides a forum for discussion among PhD students, training opportunities, and organises talks from speakers working in the field of vulnerability and policing.
Why join the PhD Network?
Peer support community
Benefit from a supportive peer network of fellow PhD students with shared interests and goals. Whether seeking advice, feedback, or simply camaraderie, our peer support community provides a valuable source of encouragement and solidarity throughout your academic journey.
Access to innovative research
By joining our PhD Network, you will gain access to cutting-edge methodologies, engage with other researchers and contribute to discussions to shape the future of policing.
Global perspective
While based in the United Kingdom, the PhD Network aims to be a hub where PhD students can contribute to international debates on policing and vulnerability issues.
Engaging events
Participate in a variety of engaging online events throughout the year, including guest speaker presentations, training opportunities, seminars, and interactive workshops. These events are tailored for PhD students engaged in policing and vulnerability, with a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration.
Upcoming events
Postgraduate Day: Researching Vulnerability in Law Enforcement & Public Health
Postgraduate students attending the LEPH2026 conference are invited to join the conference’s postgraduate day, taking place from 9.30am – 5pm on Saturday 5 September 2026 in Leeds.
GLEPHA and the Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre will co-host the free, full-day postgraduate workshop, bringing together emerging scholars working at the intersection of law enforcement and public health. The day is designed to build capability, confidence, and community among law enforcement and public health postgraduate researchers whose work engages with vulnerability—including experiences of marginalisation, trauma, harm, and structural disadvantage—and its implications for policing, health, and safety.
Relatedly, the Centre is delighted to offer bursaries covering the cost of delegate fees and accommodation for up to 16 PhD students to attend the Postgraduate Day (5 September 2026) and LEPH2026 conference (6-9 September 2026). Read more about LEPH2026 funded places for PhD students.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this network, please email [email protected].