University of Kent
Kent
The Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) forms part of the School of Anthropology and Conservation and is the largest academic institute dedicated to conservation in the UK. It sets itself apart from more traditionally-minded academic institutions with its clear mission:
- To break down the barriers between the natural and social sciences in conservation.
- To build capacity with a focus in the biodiversity rich developing countries.
- To focus on scientific research which informs practical implementation.
Our Postgraduate programmes train practitioners who are dedicated to conserving biodiversity and the ecological processes that support ecosystems and people. We have a long tradition of high-quality research among our staff, which enables high quality postgraduate support on a very wide range of topics across the full spectrum of the disciplines of conservation biology, biodiversity management, biodiversity law, sustainable tourism, sustainable resource use and ethnobotany.
DICE has various long-term study sites around the world, and maintains an ecology field trials area and field laboratory on the University campus. We are part of the School of Anthropology and Conservation, which is well equipped with computing facilities and research laboratories for molecular genetics, ecology, ethnobotany and biological anthropology.
We have affiliations with contacts around the world including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the Global Diversity Foundation, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and the nearby Powell-Cotton Museum. We work closely with a range of overseas organisations and universities in countries such as Sierra Leone, México, USA and Australia.