Josie Lumley from the University of Leeds, recently told us “The TBA field course proved to be the best introduction to the world of tropical rainforest research that I could ask for. Outstanding teaching with varied topics as well as the amazing opportunity to talk with other students from around the world about their incredible experiences. This has inspired me about where I shall go next in my research career.”
This year sees an exciting new opportunity to explore the Botswana Okavango region. This is a first for TBA and the course will follow a savanna theme. Guided by world-class experts, participants will experience the challenges and euphoric moments of learning about savanna ecology – in the field.
We look forward to working with the VanThuyne-Ridge Research Center which is located at the northern tip of Botswana. It is surrounded by the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park, this offers exciting opportunities to view and study the full range of Botswana’s fauna and flora.
Our second field course will take us back to Borneo, hosted by the Danum Valley Field Centre, Yayasan Sabah and the South East Asian Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP).
The Borneo course will build on the success of last year’s course which culminated in some amazing projects. One project is being developed into an outreach activity for schools to help connect their students to nature. Kevein Wallace, TBA Course coordinator said “It is really satisfying to see an idea come together in such a short space of time and then be developed into a practical tool that will help inspire the younger generation… maybe they will be on a TBA course in a few years’ time?”
The Botswana and Borneo course bring together that unique TBA mix that celebrates diversity and promotes networking and collaboration. Half the participants will be from the host region and half from elsewhere in the world. The courses are a month of intense but enjoyable training that will incorporate hands-on field exercises and the chance to design and complete independent projects.
