Blog: Fostering Collaborative Science | Strengthening the bond between Zoos and Academia

In the ever-evolving landscape of science and conservation, collaboration really is key to achieving success and impact, writes Dr Andrew Mooney (Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo) and Dr Ellen Williams (Lecturer in Animal Behaviour & Welfare, Harper Adams University):

Zoos and aquariums, with their wealth of resources, diverse species, and expertise, are uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to many disciplines of science. From animal husbandry and management, to conservation and human behaviour change. To maximise this impact, it’s essential that zoos and aquariums engage not only with each other, but also with external partners, particularly within academia. This was the focus of the recent BIAZA Research Conference held on July 2nd and 3rd 2024 at Fota Wildlife Park, where the benefits and challenges of zoo-academic collaborations were explored in depth.

The Current State of Zoo-Academic Collaborations

BIAZA member zoos across the UK and Ireland have a rich history of collaborating with academic institutions. These partnerships range from long-term formal agreements, supported by Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), to more informal, flexible, project-based collaborations.

For instance, zoos like Bristol Zoological Society/Bristol Zoo Project and Chester Zoo work closely with multiple universities, providing taught courses and co-supervision for academic projects from undergraduate theses to PhD dissertations, and Dudley Zoo and Twycross Zoo are creating an International Conservation and Management Masters degree with colleagues from BIAZA, academia and other European academic and zoological facilities (InterZooMaster) to support the development of higher-level training in international zoo management. Similarly, institutions like the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are deeply involved in guiding research, particularly where formal partnerships exist. These proactive collaborations not only enhance the quality of the research but also ensure that it aligns with the strategic goals of both the zoos and academic institutions.

Examples of collaborations between zoos/aquariums and academic institutions.

However, it’s important to note that not all collaborations are equally impactful. In some cases, zoos may simply host students without active involvement in their projects. While this provides valuable learning opportunities for students, it may not always lead to research that fully supports the zoo’s mission. The distinction between proactive collaboration and passive hosting is critical, with the former being far more beneficial for both parties, and something which all institutions should strive for moving forward.

Challenges in Zoo-Academic Partnerships

While the benefits of these partnerships are clear, the BIAZA Research Conference also highlighted several challenges that need to be addressed to enhance collaboration moving forwards, ensuring it is mutually beneficial for both parties.

One of the primary barriers is the lack of formalisation and continuity in these relationships. Often, collaborations are built on personal connections, which can lead to inconsistency and lost opportunities when key individuals move on. To combat this, there’s a growing call for more formal agreements, like MOUs, to ensure these partnerships endure over time. It is important than MOUs support the collaborations rather than adding layers of red tape, so it is advised that these are discussed early with all parties. In certain instances, more informal arrangements which clearly detail the roles and responsibilities of all parties, can be beneficial if formal options are not feasible.

Strategic alignment is another challenge. Research priorities need to be regularly updated to reflect the evolving goals of both zoos and academic institutions. Without this alignment, research may become irrelevant or fail to reach its full potential. Academic institutions in the UK are guided by the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which is the system used for assessing research quality in academic institutions. For research to comply with REF it needs to have significant impact, with clear pathways identified for reaching that impact. It is important that projects have long-term visions to support this level of impact at a wide scale. It would be beneficial for zoos and academic partners to build projects from the ground up, together, to ensure the research priorities of all parties are supported.

Data sharing and quality also present significant hurdles. Effective collaboration requires transparent data sharing and access to research outcomes. However, concerns about data quality, analysis, and the ethical implications of sharing sensitive information can complicate this process. Open science practices are important but ensuring data security is paramount. Data storage and data use agreements laid out at the start of projects can help to alleviate these concerns.

Cost of collaborations can be prohibitive to some partnership developments, particularly where projects are in their infancy, unfunded, or where the applicant is an individual student. In such cases, zoos should consider waiving or reducing fees to ensure they are as accessible to researchers as possible.  

Ensuring zoo staff get appropriate credit within outputs can also be difficult, particularly when staff were integral to data collection but the data is then sent to colleagues in academia to analyse and start the process of dissemination. It is imperative that all colleagues who contributed to projects are recognised, either through co-authorship or being named in acknowledgements, according to the level of input and the desire of the individual. This should be discussed at the project outset.

Additionally, logistical challenges, particularly the misalignment of academic and zoo operational timelines, can make coordination difficult. This is especially true during peak periods, like the summer months, when zoos are at their busiest. Finally, smaller zoos often face resource and capacity limitations, which can restrict their ability to engage fully with academic partners. It is recommended that communication methods and requirements are clearly laid out at the start of projects to ensure this does not become prohibitive.

Moving Forward: Building on a Strong Foundation

Despite these challenges, the mood at the BIAZA Research Conference was overwhelmingly positive, with a clear commitment to strengthening these crucial partnerships. The conference itself was a prime example of the collaborative spirit that drives our community, with strong university links seen throughout the diverse presentations and a plethora examples of multi-site research being presented.

The workshop sessions at the conference generated a wealth of ideas that the BIAZA Research Committee is eager to explore further. Key recommendations include the development of a centralised research database to track research and outputs across the BIAZA membership, and making more resources accessible to both zoo and academic partners to ensure that research is widely disseminated.

Another exciting prospect discussed was the expansion of funding opportunities through joint grant applications and matched funding, particularly for smaller institutions. The idea of creating a researcher directory to connect zoo staff with academic experts was also discussed, which could streamline the process of initiating new projects.

A Bright Future for Zoo-Academic Collaborations

The future of zoo-academic collaborations looks promising, with a clear roadmap for enhancing these relationships. Initiatives like the project database and researcher directory are just the beginning, and will allow for even more multi-zoo research across BIAZA. These tools will not only facilitate more efficient and long-term collaborations but also ensure that the research conducted is of the highest quality and impact.

As a community, we’re excited to build on the strong foundation we’ve established, and we encourage zoos to actively seek out partnerships with their local academic institutions. Together, we can drive forward research that makes a real difference for the species and ecosystems we all strive to protect. Watch this space as we continue to develop and implement these ideas, and please reach out to the BIAZA Research Committee if you have any ideas, suggestions or would like more information on how to get in touch with colleagues from zoological collections or academia.

- Dr Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer, Dublin Zoo & Coordinator for the IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival: Ireland, Vice Chair of the BIAZA Research Committee.

- Dr Ellen Williams, Lecturer in Animal Behaviour & Welfare, Harper Adams University, co-opt member for the BIAZA Research Committee.

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions