A case study submitted to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 demonstrating the impact of the University's research.
Innovative new survey protocols for amphibians and reptiles are already changing conservation and planning practice in the UK. Prior to Professor Richard Griffiths’ research, survey protocols had changed little in 20 years. This issue was particularly pressing in the commercial sector, with developers spending up to £125 million a year to mitigate impacts on some species.
Using statistical models, Professor Griffiths’ team from the School of Anthropology and Conservation determined the combination of survey visits and methods needed to obtain reliable data on population status. This resolved a long-standing debate within the fields of conservation and ecology and has made surveys significantly more cost-effective and reliable.
The protocols are being adopted into policy guidance in England, Wales and Scotland and will help to improve the management and conservation of important amphibian and reptile species.
The Research Excellence Framework 2014 showed that Kent ranks 17th in the UK for research intensity, has world-leading research in all subjects and that 97% of our research is deemed to be of international quality.
Contributing to the University’s REF success were the number of our world class publications, the number of research active staff and the demonstrable impact our research has made to the sciences and to economic, social and cultural understanding.