Independent Research

Strengthen your University thesis

Independent Research

Strengthen your University thesis

Coral Cay Conservation is built on best practice and the collection of data forms a central component of our work; unlocking the secrets of coral reefs and developing appropriate management solutions. As result of our strong scientific approach, we have built a network of academics, experienced researchers, and passionate staff, all of whom amalgamate to produce high quality research. This research is supported by independent researchers and passionate volunteers, guided and advised by our Head Office team and Scientific Advisory Committee, who join us to strengthen their CV or resume, contribute to university course credit or collect high quality data to support their undergraduate or Masters dissertation or thesis.

Our independent researchers that join us utilise our pre-existing data, collect novel data or join our survey teams to supplement their thesis. In doing so, independent researchers benefit from the expertise present at our field base as well as using extensive data sets that enable the spatial and temporal study of coral reef ecosystems, the influence of management practices or the socio-economic drivers behind successful management. 

By joining as an Independent Researcher, students have the perfect opportunity to contribute to their degrees whilst maintaining the benefits of contributing to critical conservation efforts and volunteering overseas.  

Study Topics

We are happy to support a multitude of research questions, ranging from habitat analysis to taxonomic appraisals to social studies, as long as these are deemed feasible by the Head of Science, considering accessibility to areas of interest, time frame required and logistics. Some research topics will involve data collected as part of our general sampling efforts and as such sample sites and methods are fixed. This does, however, enable larger sample sizes, increasing the power of the data and enabling a broader range of research questions. Finally, we are able to host researchers that wish to collect data independent of our general sampling efforts, using our field site as a base in the evenings. Here, you can sign-off site and collect your appropriate data - this usually works best for socio-economic focused studies. 

We commonly accept both undergraduate and Masters level independent researchers, and many of the undergraduate topics can be expanded to Masters level and the means of doing this will be discussed with you prior to you departure with the Head of Science. As our project sites are open all-year round, we can also accommodate Masters by research students, however, such projects take meticulous planning and logistical support and therefore, it is advised that you contact us as soon as possible so we can facilitate your study. 
"After working with data sets from other MPAs and NGOs, I can't complement the Napantao data enough. Such complete and thorough data made my thesis much easier."

Abbie
Masters Independent Researcher 2017

Research Topics

We are happy to support a multitude of research questions, ranging from habitat analysis to taxonomic appraisals to social studies, as long as these are deemed feasible by the Head of Science, considering accessibility to areas of interest, time frame required and logistics. Some research topics will involve data collected as part of our general sampling efforts and as such sample sites and methods are fixed. This does, however, enable larger sample sizes, increasing the power of the data and enabling a broader range of research questions. Finally, we are able to host researchers that wish to collect data independent of our general sampling efforts, using our field site as a base in the evenings. Here, you can sign-off site and collect your appropriate data - this usually works best for socio-economic focused studies. 

We commonly accept both undergraduate and Masters level independent researchers, and many of the undergraduate topics can be expanded to Masters level and the means of doing this will be discussed with you prior to you departure with the Head of Science. As our project sites are open all-year round, we can also accommodate Masters by research students, however, such projects take meticulous planning and logistical support and therefore, it is advised that you contact us as soon as possible so we can facilitate your study. 
"After working with data sets from other MPAs and NGOs, I can't complement the Napantao data enough. Such complete and thorough data made my thesis much easier."

Abbie
Masters Independent Researcher 2017

What next...

The first stage of the process is deciding on a research study. You can view our Publications & Data page to give you a good start on current topics being studied, what we can often accommodate and what has been studied previously. Once you have a good idea of what you would like to study, and have discussed your proposal with your University supervisor, you can download our Undergraduate or Postgraduate application form below. 

The application form will guide you through the information we will require from you to open discussions about your proposal. But before submitting, make sure you have the following;
  1. A working protect title
  2. Aim of the Study
  3. Review of current literature exploring your chosen study
  4. Data Collection Methods and Analysis
  5. Equipment and Logistical Requirements (including timings)
  6. References
  7. Contact details (and Signature) of you and your University Supervisor
Once downloaded and completed you can submit using the form at the bottom of this page. 
Undergraduate Student Project Form Undergraduate Student Project Form Postgraduate Student Project Form Postgraduate Student Project Form
Each independent researcher, whether undergraduate or Masters, will have the opportunity to discuss their proposed work with the Head of Science, tailoring the proposed work to be undertaken, ensuring efficient and effective work, resulting in high quality data. Furthermore, students will have access to all of our resources including historic data and publications as well as the knowledge and expertise of field staff. Throughout the entire study period, independent researchers can expect support from both Head Office and field staff, providing advice on scientific protocols, publication generation and scientific knowledge. 

Make sure your form is completed as thoroughly as possible as the need for further information will delay the application process. 

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