Research

Research

MKO Research is a separate legal entity from MKO and operates on a not-for-profit basis as a Research Performing Organisation. The initial focus of MKO Research relates to biodiversity and renewable energy, specifically to the interactions between wildlife and wind energy. MKO Research researches to advance our understanding of wind energy risks to wildlife and develop solutions to avoid, minimise and offset those impacts. Building on existing knowledge in Ireland and developing novel, cutting-edge approaches, we contribute to global applied knowledge on wildlife-wind energy interactions through open-access, peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Experts in this field

Key contacts for our Research team

Hannah Edwards

Researcher (Project Manager of RE-Harrier)

E:

dynamic-email
Dr Nicola Largey

Research Ornithologist

E:

dynamic-email

Research Key Services

About MKO Research

With the established structure of MKO Research, MKO can build research teams for different industry sectors to investigate and solve challenges faced by clients. Our broad experience across multiple disciplines and various industry sectors provides the ideal starting point to meet your research needs. With our scientific research experience, we can leverage private-sector seed funding to access more substantial research grant funding from State or European agencies.

Current research projects

RE-Harrier (Renewable Energy and Hen Harriers)
Our current research project, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland, focuses on the interactions between hen harriers and wind energy developments. Hen harriers are a species of conservation concern in Ireland and across Europe. Despite their conservation status and ongoing development of wind energy throughout their range, substantial uncertainty still exists regarding the effects of wind farms on this emblematic bird of prey. RE-Harrier studies different aspects of hen harrier ecology in relation to wind farms, to improve our understanding of the effects of these developments on the species and to inform effective conservation strategies and best environmental practice for wind energy developments.

Case Study