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.
|