Research Opportunities

Field Research

Here is a list of field research opportunities that I am aware of, I'm sure there are many more that I have not mentioned. Please get in touch if you can recommend any others.

Gashaka Primate Project, Nigeria
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/gashaka/home/
GPP welcome students working towards their undergraduate dissertations, masters or PhD theses. The current research focuses are on baboons, guenons and the Nigerian chimpanzee. There is a research station established in the village of Gashaka and a field station in the forest. The project is directed by Professor Volker Sommer from the Department of Anthropology at UCL.
Contact:
v.sommer@ucl.ac.uk

Orangutantrop - The Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project, Indonesia
http://www.orangutantrop.com/research/research.html
The project conducts research into the orangutan population and the biodiversity, ecology and regeneration of peatland forests.
Contact:
info@orangutantrop.com

Operation Wallacea
http://www.opwall.com
Over recent years, Operation Wallacea has expanded its project to six countries. Research on primates can be conducted in Indonesia, Honduras, South Africa and Peru. Full supervisor support is provided to research students.
Contact:
info@opwall.com

Zoo Research
I have only included zoos where I am aware research can be carried out - please let me know if you know of other zoos that welcome research students.

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) publish guidelines regarding research in zoos - http://www.biaza.org.uk/public/pages/research2/library.asp

• Bristol Zoo Gardens
  http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/about/conservation/zoo
  The zoo encourages research that is relevant to the living collections, conservation programmes or education programmes. Approximately 30 student projects are conducted at the zoo every year. Undergraduates, postgraduates and post-doctoral researchers are welcomed.
• Chester Zoo
  http://www.chesterzoo.org/
  Approximately 200 on-site projects are carried out at Chester Zoo every year and it claims to be the biggest research training ground for zoo studies in the UK. Applicants must submit a brief research proposal, which includes information about the aims of the project, detailed methods, approximate duration of the research in the zoo and the planned output of the study (e.g. dissertation). Payment is required for a Research Pass, which allows the researcher to access the zoo and the zoo library during opening hours. The current charge is £30.
  Contact:
  research@chesterzoo.org
• Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
  http://www.monkeyworld.co.uk
  Monkey World is a sanctuary for rescued primates in Dorset. Students wanting to conduct research must write a full research proposal (aims, hypotheses, methods etc.) detailing the rationale and purpose of the study. Applications will be approved or rejected based on the soundness and significance of the study.
  Contact:
  Dr Alison Cronin - Scientific Director
  apes@monkeyworld.org
• ZSL London Zoo
  http://www.londonzoo.org/ and http://www.zsl.org/
  The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) own London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. Research projects can be carried out by third year undergraduate and postgraduate students only. For details about applying to conduct research at London Zoo or Whipsnade follow the guidelines at http://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/ioz/postgrad.htm.
• Shepreth Wildlife Park
  http://www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk
  Shepreth Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire is home to squirrel monkeys, crab-eating macaques, vervet monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, black and white ruffed lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs. The park welcomes students wanting to conduct observational research. To apply contact Dr Clotworthy (Research Officer) on researchofficer.shepreth@yahoo.co.uk
• Howletts and Port Lympne
  http://www.howletts.net/
  Contact:
  Peter Litchfield
  Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park
  Lympne
  Nr. Hythe
  Kent CT21 4PD
  Tel: +(44) 1303 264 647
  Fax: +(44) 1303 264 944
  E-mail: info@howletts.net
• Edinburgh Zoo
  http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/PageAccess.aspx?id=26
  Edinburgh Zoo host approximately 40 researchers every year. Research is welcomed into animal behaviour and welfare, psychology, evolution, nutrition, physiology and veterinary science. All research must be non-invasive.
  Contact:
  research@rzss.org.uk
• Paignton Zoo
  http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/conservation/zoo-based-research.php
  All research is co-ordinated by the Field Conservation and Research Department in close collaboration with the animal and veterinary staff. There are three research groups - behavioural husbandry and animal welfare; behavioural ecology and cognition; conservation, ecology and environment. Students welcome from school to PhD. Each year the department also has up to 8 sandwich year placements for undergraduates. The zoo request that prospective researchers read the BIAZA guidelines and download the Visiting Researcher Information Leaflet from their website before contacting the zoo.