Infectious diseases can spread easily at unis so make sure you’re up to date with your vaccines and aware of the common signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.

If you have missed one or more vaccines, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

After arriving at university it is important you register with the local GP surgery, who will also be able to advise regarding your vaccinations. We have a GP surgery on the Canterbury campus you can register with.

Advice and information is available on the NHS website:

• NHS meningitis
• NHS MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

Fraser Cook, a PhD student studying Biodiversity Management at the University’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), has secured funding for an expedition to assess the sustainability of the ornamental plant trade in Kapuas Hulu, Indonesia.

The Scientific Exploration Society (SES) awarded Fraser its Judith Heath Explorer Award 2024 for Botany & Research, and he will officially receive his award at a formal ceremony in October.

SES’ Explorer Award grants fund scientific expeditions focused on discovery, research, and conservation. Fraser applied for the award to embark on this research expedition. This aims to conduct the first comprehensive mapping of ornamental plant sites, habitats, and nurseries in Kapuas Hulu. Kapuas Hulu, in West Kalimantan, is one of the most remote and inaccessible Borneo regions, and a hotspot for endemic flora.

Winning this award means that Fraser can collaborate with local plant hunters to enhance plant conservation and foster a sustainable horticultural trade in the region.

Fraser said: ‘I am delighted to have won the award to pursue this expedition. Kapuas Hulu in West Kalimantan Borneo, known for its dense forest and swamps is a hotspot for unique plants, many unknown to science, yet less than 40% of it is protected. Overharvesting native species poses a significant threat to biodiversity and resellers along the supply chain stand to make more profit than local communities. Both the local people and the forest are losing out.

‘As a care experienced person, I never thought these amazing conservation opportunities would be reachable for me. My personal and professional experience drives my research to be solution focused with the community. This deeper understanding to place local indigenous knowledge at the centre of the expedition, with a rigorous systemic assessment of species distribution in forests and semi-wild nurseries, enabled this pioneering and different approach.

‘Local plant hunters want to celebrate their unique flora as a cultural asset, which perfectly aligns with the goals of ecosystem stewardship to combat overharvesting and habitat loss. I really hope that my expedition working closely with the local community, my DICE colleagues and my local Indonesian counterparts at IPB University and Bogor Botanical Garden can help inform the conservation strategies and horticultural practices required to make a big difference.’

The expedition will see Fraser experiencing physical, adventurous and trailblazing challenges. The adventure itself is arduous, requiring 12 hours of non-stop driving to reach the area. Once there, his team will navigate through dense forests, swamps, and lakes, often submerged by water for half the year. It will require five days of traveling on foot or by boat. Fraser and his team will encounter peaks reaching up to 800 meters, an equatorial climate with high sunlight intensity, humidity above 80%, and temperatures in the low 30s Celsius. The expedition is set to start in April 2025 and run until July 2025 and is part of Fraser’s wider comparative study across Indonesia.

Thank you again for your cooperation yesterday with the precautionary steps we took to ensure everyone’s safety. I’m happy to report that, apart from a small gathering of counter-protesters, there were no disturbances on our campuses last night or in the surrounding area. I know how worrying the last week has been and the concern you have had for people across our community has been greatly appreciated. 

We will continue to remain in close contact with the Police and other local stakeholders to ensure we are made aware if any future protests are planned. However, we sincerely hope there will be no more violent scenes across the country of the kind seen in recent weeks and that there will continue to be no disturbance here in Kent. 

Please do continue to seek support if you are concerned about the impact recent events are having on you. In the meantime, I wish you all the best for the remainder of the summer. 

Richard 

Prof Richard Reece | DVC Education & Student Experience

See latest update from Wednesday 7 August.

As a university community, we have been horrified by the violence and disruption across the country over the past few days and hope for a swift return to a calm and peaceful situation. The appalling rioting seen in some areas has damaged communities and caused widespread intimidation and concern. This sort of violence has no place in society and the accompanying racism and Islamophobia seen online in particular is abhorrent. Diversity is a strength of Kent and, in particular, the university in which we work, study and undertake research. 

We have a clear and undivided commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud to have a welcoming campus environment for all. We also understand the recent events will have been distressing for many and want to reassure you of the support available to everyone at the university.  

Alongside this we are in regular and direct contact with Kent Police regarding anything that could affect our community. While they are aware there have been rumours circulated online relating to protest in the area, they do not think it is likely that we will see action of this kind locally. As always, our Campus Security team are present on both of our campuses 24/7 and will remain briefed and vigilant so we can continue our absolute priority of ensuring your safety. 

University Support Services 

Our Student Support and Wellbeing service can provide support if you are worried about recent events and the effect they are having on your wellbeing. As well as the direct services they offer, they also have 24 hour emergency support available. Kent Students’ Union Advice Service can also provide free and confidential advice for students. Students can also download the SafeZone app which can link them up directly with security support on and off campus. 

Reporting incidents 

If you see or experience any form of hate on campus then you can report this directly via Report and Support which will help link you with our specialist services. If you are worried about your safety on campus then Campus Security can be reached via 01227 823300 at all times. 

You can also report crimes directly to Kent Police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

Students can also read the statement from Kent Students’ Union on the national disruption here.