Tuition fee €11,589 per year

Part-time studies (6-year) 7 726,00

Application fee €100 one-time
More information

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Overview

PhD candidate position in the Creativity in Crisis Communication

Open application for a doctoral candidate in Communication and Information
The doctoral candidate position is available in the Faculty of Creative Industries, Department of Creative Communication. Applicants interested in other research topics related to crisis communication are also welcome to apply.

Research topic description
Creativity in communication is seen as a competitive advantage and an essential element of human social interaction. Nevertheless, research on creativity in crisis communication is scarce, although it is acknowledged that creativity is important in communicating in the chaotic and ever-changing context of crises. Several research areas deserve further investigation.
The first area is related to the changing contextual factors of crises themselves. The crises are becoming more complex, and the line between natural disasters (such as floods, landslides, wildfires and extreme temperatures) and man-made disasters (such as massive displacement and migration of civilians, and energy crises) is becoming blurred with the acknowledgement of the negative impact of human activity on nature. Corporations and nations are accused of irresponsible behaviour and of provoking the crisis, whether it is financial, social or environmental. The rapid flow of information means that a seemingly insignificant misstep can quickly become a major local or even global crisis. Thus, research is needed to explore the question of how creativity may help to stay at the cutting edge of the crisis from its very beginning and keep up with the diverse audiences and their sentiments throughout the crisis.
The second area is related to crisis communication, as a social interaction that takes place online. The digital world and new media have rapidly transformed the field of crisis communication, as media are based on user-generated or user-manipulated content. Omnidirectional communication such as social networking sites, podcasts, blogs, etc., empowers the user to create and manipulate content. As a result, communication has become less controllable, audiences often receive ambiguous and uncertain information. It is, therefore, necessary to assess how users’ creativity contributes to and hinders the overarching goal of crisis communication: harm reduction.
These and other areas of creativity are becoming relevant in the changing contexts of crisis and crisis communication. Thus, research in this field would considerably contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of communication.

The selected candidate will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. dr. Rasa Smaliukiene The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships in other universities.

Requirements
• Required background: MSc in Communication or another relevant field
• Expected skills and knowledge: good knowledge of communication research and media studies; ability to present and discuss research findings in speech and writing with the academic community; ability to assess the ethical aspects of their research.

It is a prerequisite that you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

For more information
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The position may not be opened if no qualified candidate is found. Additional information regarding the post may be obtained from Prof. dr. Rasa Smaliukiene, e-mail: rasa.smaliukiene@vilniustech.lt

Programme structure

The PhD programme consists of:
· Independent research under supervision;
· Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits);
· Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions;
· Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible;
· The completion of a PhD thesis.

Apply now! Spring semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Studies commence
1 Dec 2023
Apply now! Spring semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Studies commence
1 Dec 2023