| The BRG holds an Annual Zoo Research Symposium, which attracts an increasing number of academic and zoo professionals as well as students (see Events in July for more information). Themed sessions and workshops are aimed at increasing the understanding of the influences on zoo animal welfare, and topics have included measuring stress, improving diet and nutrition and studying visitor effects. |
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| The BRG publishes a quarterly Research Newsletter, which is distributed broadly to animal collections, academic institutions and collaborating individuals. The newsletter communicates about the types of research studies being carried out in zoos. |
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| The BRG also works to support students and zoo personnel by producing Research Guidelines such as the Research Sampling Guidelines for Zoos, which covers setting up projects in zoos and aquariums and their planning on topics such as behavioural observation, dietary studies, etc. The BRG produced a bibliography of Animal Husbandry Guidelines. A compilation of Plant Browse for Zoo Mammals (available on CD) was also produced in collaboration with the Plant Working Group. Contact the BIAZA office for copies. |
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| Throughout the BRG’s work runs the theme of enhancing animal welfare and best practice in animal management through applied research in animal biology. The BRG is working to extend this theme by supporting zoo and aquarium management when evaluating education tools . |
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| Doing Research in BIAZA Zoos and aquariums |
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| Before carrying out research in a BIAZA collection, it is only courteous and of benefit to the project if some background research has been done in advance and the zoo is NOT the first port of call for information. To aid researchers in finding information, BRG has information on sources available here. |
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| Researchers must also be aware that all collections will often put research proposals to their ethics committee. Some zoos will ask researchers to fill in a Research Proforma (examples from Chester Zoo, Paignton Zoo) [link to documents or websites]to aid assessment of the project. |
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| BIAZA support for students wanting to do research in more than one BIAZA zoos and aquariums |
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| BIAZA members receive a number of requests for information from students at various levels. Staff provide the information on top of their own full time job so all information that students can gather before asking the zoo or aquairum, the more helpful it is for the staff. For sources of information, click here. |
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| Support will be at one or more of the following levels: |
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BRG believes [researcher’s name] to be a bonafide student of [academic institution if applicable] based on the signature of the researcher’s supervisor on the application for BIAZA support. |
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The methodology presented by this student will, in the opinion of BRG, be able to provide data that can answer the research question |
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The outcomes of this project is likely to be of relevance and useful to zoos and aquariums. |
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| We encourage applicants to submit an abstract to the Research Newsletter and to give a presentation or poster at our Annual Zoo Research Symposium. |
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| 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. |
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| The application form will then be sent to the BIAZA Research Group for comment, which will be sent back to the student for their information and possibly to revise to their methodology that will enable them to be more successful. 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. |
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| Due to the advice BRG can give researchers on logistics and contacts, it is important that they are contacted at the beginning of the project. |
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| For more information on any of the above, please contact BIAZA. |
