Our impact
Biodiversity research
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95 years exploring biodiversity
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26 mammal species described as new to science
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338 peer-reviewed scientific publications
For almost a century, the Harrison Institute has explored some of the world's least-studied regions, working with local scientists and international partners to document biodiversity and improve understanding of mammals and birds across Africa, Arabia and Asia.
Our research has produced hundreds of scientific publications, influential regional monographs and the description of 26 mammal species, 11 subspecies and 3 genera new to science. Originating from 18 countries, increasingly, these discoveries have been made in partnership with our MSc and PhD students, reflecting our commitment to developing the next generation of biodiversity researchers.
Each point on the map below marks a locality where Institute staff, in collaboration with their students and/or colleagues, have described a mammal taxon new to science.
(Learn more → new taxa; list of publications)
Strengthening scientific communities
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10 countries in the Global South represented by our MSc and PhD students
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2 former students have received global awards for the quality of their research
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4 Darwin Initiative projects as P.I.
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1 EU Erasmus+ project as manager
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4 international conferences and numerous workshops co-hosted in Asia and Africa
Lasting conservation depends on more than individual researchers. It depends on connected scientific communities that share knowledge, collaborate across borders and support the next generation.
The Harrison Institute helps build these communities by mentoring MSc and PhD students, establishing international research networks, winning large national and international grants, and bringing scientists together through co-hosting workshops and international conferences. Former students now lead research programmes and train future scientists in their own countries.
Each point on the map below marks the home university of a postgraduate student who has been mentored or co-supervised by Harrison Institute staff.
Translating research into conservation
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Supporting conservation in partnership with local communities
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Helping establish protected areas and conservation strategies
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Developing local leadership through education and training
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Connecting biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods
Conservation succeeds when local people have the knowledge, skills and opportunity to lead it themselves. For more than fifty years, the Harrison Institute has worked alongside communities, schools, governments and conservation organisations to translate biodiversity research into practical action. Although every project is different, they share a common goal: creating locally led conservation that continues long after individual projects have ended.
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Protecting landscapes: Helping establish Arabia's first protected area and contributing to wetland conservation at national and international levels.
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Supporting communities: Working with fishing communities in Myanmar to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods and environmental education.
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Inspiring future generations: Partnering with schools in Bhutan to connect young people with biodiversity research and conservation.
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Developing local leadership: Supporting conservationists across Asia and Melanesia to establish locally led conservation programmes.
Each point on the map below represents a location where the Harrison Institute and/or its honorary research fellows have helped translate biodiversity research into practical conservation.
