A UNIVERSITY of Chester student will carry out globally important work after being awarded a unique research-degree opportunity.

Ruby Cotter is the successful recipient of a fully-funded PhD studentship for a project engaging religious perspectives on animal consumption.

Ruby’s work will contribute to the ethical discussion and global transformation of the way humans use animals for food, which has been heightened with increasing questions being posed on the subject in response to the coronavirus.

The doctoral research degree - the highest award available at UK universities - has been offered under the university’s Sustainable Futures scheme and is co-funded by CreatureKind, a US non-profit working to engage Christians with concern for animals.

Ruby’s research will propose an ethical framework of human food choice in the light of the integral ecology outlined in Laudato Si - the second encyclical of Pope Francis and one of the highest forms of communication by the Pope. The integral ecology recognises the human as integral to nature rather than nature as subject to human domination.

Ruby said: “It’s a real honour to have been chosen as the recipient of this studentship, and I’m excited to be embarking on research which is extremely close to my heart. This opportunity builds on work I’ve completed to date and my passionate inclination towards systematic theologies and ethics, specifically relating to ecology and animals.

“This research will seek to promote a human consciousness of food choice which proposes different responsibilities, according to each path, to the common good - socially, politically, and ecologically.

“The project aims to yield practical results through a theoretical analysis of human food choice, aiming to provide a simultaneous flourishing space for the cries of the earth, the poor and the animal. The latter is the missing link in the conversation of integral ecology but I aim to show that every creature must have a voice.”

Professor David Clough will supervise Ruby in her research with support from University of Chester Theology and Religious Studies (TRS) colleagues.

He said: “We’re thrilled to be able to award this PhD studentship to Ruby.

“Her application stood out in its careful consideration of the issues and the contribution she can make in the global transformation we need in the consumption of animals.

“I very much look forward to working with Ruby and seeing the project develop.”

Ruby completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Theology and Religion before travelling and volunteering, allowing her to experience religious festivals and environmental work across Europe and Africa, and embarking on a postgraduate research role.