Ivin Wilfred Raj

Biography

After completing my undergraduate degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, I joined Keele University to pursue an MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology. I graduated with Distinction and was awarded best dissertation of the year.

Following my MSc, I undertook an MPhil at Keele University under the supervision of Dr Christian Devenish (lead supervisor) and Dr Ellie Harrison. My research focused on applying GIS and machine learning techniques to investigate the land use and landscape impacts of solar farms, alongside exploring their potential for habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement. I successfully completed my MPhil in 16 months, passing with minor corrections.

Following my MPhil, I was awarded a Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship to pursue my PhD at Keele University. My current research investigates the impacts of solar farms on bird and bat populations, while exploring the potential of bioacoustics to advance ecological monitoring.

Alongside my research, I serve as the Postgraduate Research (PGR) Representative for the School of Life Sciences. I also hold Associate Fellowship of Advance HE (AFHEA) and undertake demonstrating responsibilities within the School of Life Sciences.

Research and scholarship

PhD title - Investigating the impact of solar farms on bird and bat populations using bioacoustics and landscape analysis and exploring public objections of solar energy development

An important aspect of my research focuses on addressing key limitations of bioacoustics in ecological monitoring, particularly the challenge of estimating the distance between a vocalising animal and an acoustic recorder. My research investigates the source level amplitude and directionality of animal calls, as well as their relationships with body mass and call frequency. These parameters are integrated with the underlying physics of sound propagation, accounting for geometric spreading and habitat and atmospheric related attenuation, to develop species-specific distance estimation models based on received sound levels.

In 2026, I conducted extensive fieldwork across 41 solar farms in England and Wales, collecting bioacoustic data on birds and bats alongside botanical data. This research investigates the impacts of solar farms on biodiversity, examining the key habitat characteristics and management factors influencing species activity and habitat use. An important aim is to identify opportunities to mitigate potential biodiversity impacts and address the green–green dilemma arising from the need to balance renewable energy expansion with biodiversity conservation.

Taking an integrated computational approach, my research also explores public objections to solar farm developments during the planning process. This involves investigating the key factors and covariates associated with public objections, providing a complementary social dimension to understanding the challenges and conservation priorities in solar farm development.

Teaching

Demonstration in GIS and Statistics modules in undergraduate and master courses.

Further information

Mapping UK solar farms for biodiversity assessments: An up-to-date, open-access spatial dataset derived from satellite imagery, DOI- https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.70221

Supervision

Supervisors - Dr Christian Devenish, Dr Eleanor Grace Harrison and Dr Philip J. J. Catney

Collaborations and grants awards

Bob Beattie Postgraduate Recognition Award 2025