Bringing science to a Yorkshire zoo
Posted on 24 November 2010
The Knowledge Transfer Partnership draws on expertise in the University's Environment Department to promote scientific excellence in the education system at Flamingo Land.
The University of York is committed to ensuring that the world-class research we undertake brings real benefit and impact to our economy
Professor Colin Mellors
The scheme will enhance conservation education by modernising the range of programmes, and incorporating scientific theory as well as aspects of the National Curriculum. A new research associate will undertake a range of marketing activities and develop educational events, building on the Park's recently-attained "Learning Outside the Classroom" Quality Badge.
This role will also further develop the University of York Centre for the Integration of Research, Conservation and Learning (CIRCLE), which is located at Flamingo Land to conduct research into conservation and education. The initiative will also feed into Flamingo Land's Udzungwa Forest Project (UFP), a conservation, research and education programme based in Tanzania. UFP is aiming to break new ground for zoo-funded conservation by bridging the gap between research and conservation.
The University's Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business and Community, Professor Colin Mellors, said: "The University of York is committed to ensuring that the world-class research we undertake brings real benefit and impact to our economy, and to our various communities.
"This Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a very clear example of the University working with a business to improve its competitiveness - in this case, providing valuable scientific knowledge to support the educational role of the 21st-century zoo."
Notes to editors:
- More information on the University of York's Environment Department at www.york.ac.uk/environment/
- More information on Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo at www.flamingoland.co.uk
- More information on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at www.ktponline.org.uk
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