The role of sensory ecology and cognition in social decisions

19-22 July 2016

Dr. Karin Schneeberger, University of Bern (CH)

Prof. Michael Taborsky, University of Bern (CH)

Prof. Lars Chittka, University of London (UK)http://chittkalab.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk/
Prof. Rui Oliveira, Universidade de Lisboa (PT)http://oliveiralab.org/people/rui-oliveira/
Prof. Felicity Huntingford, University of Glasgow (UK)
Prof. Tecumseh Fitch, University of Vienna (AT)http://cogcom.univie.ac.at/research-projects/prof-tecumseh-fitch/
Prof. David Stephens, University of Minnesota (Us)

Social interactions are often assumed to require advanced cognitive abilities, as social behaviour typically happens among a large network of individuals, across different contexts, and over extended time periods. This is at variance with the observation that complex social behaviour can be observed in a wide range of animals, both in the laboratory and field. We think that rather simple cognitive mechanisms can generate complex social responses.

The aim of this workshop is to discuss sensory and cognitive abilities and limitations of animals in the context of social behaviour. Topics discussed in the workshop will include, for instance:

- how social cues and signals are perceived by individuals

- how they are used for decision making

- the role of memory for behavioural responses in repeated social interactions

- the significance of different sensory modalities for communication in the contexts of conflict and cooperation.

These topics are of great interest to students and scientists from different disciplines, such as behavioural ecology, neurobiology, cognitive sciences, and psychology. Interaction between different fields will identify open questions and directions for future interdisciplinary research

Arolla (VS)

Map

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Full attendance ans active participation

When?

19-22 July 2016

Where?

Hotel Kurhaus, Arolla (CH)

Fees:

Free for PhD students of the DPEE

Participants from CUSO universities (Lausanne, Bern, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Fribourg: 400CHF

All other participants: 450CHF

Reimbursement:

PhD students of the DPEE are eligible for reimbursement of incurred travel expenses by train (half-fare card, and 2nd class). Please send the original tickets (no copies, except for the general abonnement) with the reimbursement form to:

Caroline Betto-Colliard

Doctoral Program in Ecology and Evolution  

DEE- Biophore Building  

University of Lausanne  

CH-1015 Lausanne

CUSO PhD students: through your MyCUSO account. 

External participants (non-CUSO PhD students, post-docs, etc...): use the icon "registration" at top of page and the last gray box "non-CUSO student" ("personne hors myCUSO").

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