BIAZA Research Support Letter
Researchers that are interested in collecting data across a number of BIAZA members should apply for BIAZA support. Successful applicants will get a signed letter of support and introductions to zoo professionals within their field and contacts at the collections where relevant.
BIAZA members receive a number of requests for information from researchers at various levels. Very often, zoo staff assist researchers with providing information as an extra duty. The prepared researcher is therefore more of an asset than one who has done very little and requires more of a staff member’s precious time, therefore please ensure you have read our Research Guidance.
Support can be at any one of the following three levels (this will be reflected on the letter that the student is awarded):
1. the methodology proposed by this researcher will provide robust data that will answer their
research question
2. the outcomes of the project are likely to be relevant and useful to zoos and aquariums
3. the outcomes of the project are likely to significantly advance scientific knowledge in this field
Sample BIAZA support letter (pdf)
In order to apply for BIAZA support, applicants must fill in an application form and get it signed by their supervisor. An electronic copy of the form excluding signatures must be sent to the BIAZA office and a paper copy of the signatures page must be posted to the BIAZA Office.
Application form (doc)
The application form will then be sent to the BIAZA Research Committee for comment, which will be sent back to the researcher for their information and constructive suggestions may also be provided to enable the project to more fully achieve its aims. Depending on the nature of the comments and revisions made, if necessary, a letter of support and contacts will be given to the researcher. This process can take up to a month.
We encourage applicants to submit an abstract to the Research Newsletter and to give a presentation or poster at our Annual Zoo Research Symposium.
Due to the advice the Research Committee can give researchers on logistics and contacts, it is important that they are contacted at its inception.
