Ecology Masterclass: Designing Projects in the Field – Kenya 2025
Course Dates:
15 – 26 October 2025
Location:
Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
Application Deadline:
Midnight Friday 15 August 2025
The Tropical Biology Association and the British Ecological Society are teaming up for a new field course, specifically for early-career African researchers. This exciting 10-day course provides practical training on how to design projects in the field, and is a valuable foundation for building a career in ecology and conservation.
Set in the heart of the Kenyan savannah, the course combines field based learning with group projects and world class teaching.
More Information
Theme: Designing Projects in the Field
Cohort Size: 24 participants
Teaching Level: MSc
Duration: 10 days on site
Cost: Full scholarships are available.
Eligibility criteria: Open to participants from Africa that have a biology background, are early in their career (less than 5 years since first degree), and are comfortable communicating in English.
The Programme at a Glance
This intensive course blends field-based training with group projects, seminars, and peer learning to build skills in ecological research and project design. You’ll explore key ecological themes that underpin conservation and develop your own research project.
Core Components
- Field Workshops
Rotating through a trio of hands-on sessions to explore key ecological interactions in savanna systems. - Asking Questions in Ecology
Unlocking the principles of how to frame research questions and design meaningful ecological studies. - Field Exercise
Collaborative fieldwork and data analysis to develop core research and teamwork skills. - Conservation Showcases
An opportunity to share a conservation story or challenge in an informal setting, harnessing the power of peer learning. - Research Projects
Work in small teams to design, conduct, and present an ecological study — from question to conclusion.
The Mpala Research Centre
The Mpala Research Centre receives hundreds of students, educators, and scientists from around the world, conducting research on everything from parasites to elephants. The unique set up of Mpala allows for researchers to use the land as a ‘living laboratory’ in which to conduct experiments and answer pressing questions on conservation and wildlife. Mpala lies beneath the shadow of Mount Kenya, within Laikipia County, 50 km north of the equator and 50 km from Nanyuki town. Mpala reserve stretches over 48,000 acres of semi-arid savanna, acacia bushland, wooded grassland, rocky escarpments and riverine habitats along the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok rivers.
You will be accommodated in shared comfortable tents, with shower and washroom facilities nearby. There is power, sustainably supplied by solar energy with a back-up generator. Meals, lectures and meetings will be convened in the spacious main tent. There is a large welcoming fireplace where we can sit around to socialise and enjoy a campfire in the evening. When working outside of the camp we will be accompanied by experienced Mpala scouts.
Who Should Apply?
This course is open to applicants from Africa only* that:
- Have a background in the biological or environmental sciences
- Have within the last 5 years completed (or will have completed by the time of the course) a first degree in a relevant subject
- Have not yet started a PhD, or are in the early stages (less than 2 years in).
- Are comfortable communicating in English
Full scholarships are available for successful applicants.
* Please note that this does include Madagascar and the West Indian Ocean islands.
How and When to Apply?
Applications are made via our online application form. The deadline to apply is midnight (EAT) on Friday 15 August 2025. A pdf of the application questions can be downloaded here to help you prepare your responses.
Each application will be assessed on its own merits.
Successful applicants will be informed by the end of August 2025.
For any queries or more information please contact the course coordinators: courses-Africa@tropical-biology.org
What The Students Say
“The course allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, creating a network that I intend to maintain throughout my life and academic career. This sense of community and shared passion was truly inspiring.”
Samuel Ssemyalo, Uganda
“The opportunity to work in a real-world setting allowed me to refine my field skills and gain the confidence needed to conduct ecological research independently.”
Purity Njambi, Kenya