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In its 50th anniversary year, the University of Leicester has marked a 40 year anniversary of its research scientists with two innovative student courses 5000 miles away in the African Rift.
14 University of Leicester students have marked a 40-year link between Leicester and Lake Bogoria in Kenya, experiencing one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles.
40 years ago, Emeritus Professor Aftab Khan of the Geology Department at the University of Leicester led a multi-national team of geologists into Kenya's Lake Bogoria, in a spectacular but then inaccessible part of the Rift Valley, to investigate the mechanisms of rifting some 25 million years ago.
Ten years ago, Dr David Harper, Senior Lecturer in Ecology & Conservation Biology, began ecological research at Bogoria when he recognised its unique character among the alkaline-soda lakes, only a handful of which along the Rift support the majestic lesser flamingo, the world’s only filter-feeding bird subsisting on microscopic bacteria.
Dr Harper's work was initially supported by the Earthwatch Institute but he quickly gained funding from the UK Darwin Initiative, which linked his innovative scientific results to the value of the lake and its resources to local people.
Knowledge of how ecology underpins the sustainable livelihoods of the communities that live around the Lake Bogoria National Reserve led Dr Harper to propose to Leicester's iScience Management team a PBL module which would put its students right at the sharp end of Education for Sustainable Development.
The first cohort of those students have now spent two weeks working with local people on water conservation, honey production & marketing, irrigation and swampland conservation, fish pond management and erosion & land restoration.
They were followed by 7 students from the Geography Department's new M.Sc programme in Global Change who not only studied the issues of the present but also the past history of the Rift and its spectacular wildlife, in a novel joint course with students from the University of Nairobi and Trinity College Dublin.
The biggest and the best part was literally outside the tents of these lucky students. Lake Bogoria is presently home to nearly a million lesser flamingos - a fantastic sight which only occurs about once a decade. The lake better-known to tourists, Nakuru, is empty of its most famous residents, as it periodically 'flips' into a more freshwater state under high rainfall, which occurred in 2007 and flamingos wander elsewhere.
"This is a fantastic practical experience which allows me to link my theoretical teaching with real life; I feel that I am contributing my knowledge into problem solving in a part of the world where it matters most" said physics student Sarah Jones. "Kenya is a wonderful country. Every student ought to have the opportunity to experience the wildlife and culture: it's an exhilarating but humbling experience"
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
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 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Leicester involved in Rhino Charge competition | |
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 | The University of Leicester has broken new ground - literally - in The Rhino Charge, a major fund raising event to build an electrified fence around the Aberdare National Park in Kenya. The aim is to protect smallholders from wild animals and the forest and its animals from poachers.... 11 Jul 2008 Leicester involved in Rhino Charge competition |
Employers work with University of Leicester students to enhance employability and management skills | |
 | A programme designed to develop and enhance students' employability and management skills has been successfully run at the University of Leicester in conjunction with leading employers.... 01 May 2008 Employers work with University of Leicester students to enhance employability and management skills |
Top grades not always needed to become a doctor | |
 | Top A-level results are not always necessary for students to succeed in medicine according to an article in this weeks British Medical Journal... 20 May 2008 Top grades not always needed to become a doctor |
Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table | |
 | Loughborough University is ranked third for student satisfaction below only Cambridge and St Andrews in The Good University Guide, a national league table.... 24 Apr 2008 Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table |
Face to Face or Facebook? | |
 | Can online networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, help new students settle into university social and academic life and minimise the chance of them withdrawing from their courses? Researchers at the University of Leicester are now looking for first-year University of Leicester students who use Facebook to help their pioneering research into this issue. They should not be too difficult to recruit.... 12 May 2008 Face to Face or Facebook? |
Relevant News
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
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 | A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCESTUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE | |
 | When Mr Richard Everard visits the University of Leicester on April 25th to renew the Everard Foundation?s support for Contact student volunteers and present them with a cheque, he will discover that they have had another record-breaking year of activity working in the community.... 16 Apr 2008 STUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCESTUDENT VOLUNTEERS WHO REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE |
WINNERS OF ?LEICESTER INVENTS? TO BE ANNOUNCED | |
 | Noon on 26th April, the University of Leicester's 'Celebrate Leicester Day', will be the moment when the region's youngest inventors, from 5 to 16 years, will know who has won the University's 'Leicester Invents' competition.... 23 Apr 2008 WINNERS OF ?LEICESTER INVENTS? TO BE ANNOUNCED |
Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table | |
| Loughborough University is ranked third for student satisfaction below only Cambridge and St Andrews in The Good University Guide, a national league table.... 24 Apr 2008 Loughborough University secures another top ranking in national league table |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ACHIEVES HIGHEST EVER NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE RANKING IN ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR | |
 | The University of Leicester has claimed its place as the top ranked University in the East Midlands, reaching its highest ever ranking in The Good University Guide published today in The Independent.... 24 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ACHIEVES HIGHEST EVER NATIONAL LEAGUE TABLE RANKING IN ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR |
Most Read News (today)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
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 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
 | Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
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| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
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| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? | |
 | Central and local government have both adopted the Internet to promote their activities and to get feedback from citizens. But how successful has this been?... 17 Apr 2008 DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |