Science
Nirah will provide biologists, zoologists and research scientists with unparalleled opportunities for the advancement of our knowledge .
Almost equidistant between the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London, Nirah is ideally placed to enjoy the support of the world’s leading scientists. To complement the freshwater biotopes, the site will include a 30-acre science research park. This will house purpose-built incubator space, laboratories and offices for businesses with links to research in freshwater environments.
Nirah’s curatorial team will be responsible for all handling of species, supporting the survival and breeding of particularly rare and threatened species. Absolutely no invasive research will be allowed at Nirah, as this would run counter to our ethical policy which has been formulated by a dedicated ethical committee.
Founding scientists
Nirah’s founding
scientists include:
Prof. William Keevil (Southampton University)
Prof. Chris Shaw (Queen’s University, Belfast)
Prof. David Theakston (Liverpool University)
Prof. David Warrell (Oxford University)
These leading academic figures will head up Nirah’s pioneering
Research Institute. A combination of grants and funds from the public
sector will ensure this operates on a not-for-profit basis, making
the most of the unique opportunity Nirah affords for the study a large
number of species with a precision and detail that’s impossible
within their wild habitats
Nirah’s Research Institute will have a particular focus on the emerging
field of ‘venomics’, using non-invasive techniques to assess and
explore the genetic information locked up within the venoms, secretions and toxins
of freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles.
We believe this work could have far-reaching consequences for the benefit of
mankind. 80% of drugs are originally derived from natural sources, so freshwater
species represent a vast mine of untapped potential.
