- BERG - University of Stirling Mailing Lists

Fw: External PhD advert: Nottingham Trent University
by Pawel Fedurek 08 May '26

08 May '26

FYI Best wishes, Pawel ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) School of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK @pawel-fedurek<https://bsky.app/profile/pawel-fedurek.bsky.social> @berg-stirling<https://bsky.app/profile/berg-stirling.bsky.social> Staff webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/resear…> I aim to reply within 3 working days (my working days are between Monday and Friday). ________________________________ From: Primate Society of Great Britain <information(a)psgb.org> Sent: 08 May 2026 16:54 To: Pawel Fedurek <pawel.fedurek(a)stir.ac.uk> Subject: External PhD advert: Nottingham Trent University [Primate Society of Great Britain]<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQPKwmV-…> [https://hubble-live-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/psgb/image_asset/file…] Dear member, Please find attached an advert for a PhD position at Nottingham Trent University. For more information about the project, see the associated website: https://jamiewhitehouse.github.io/mappingconnections/<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQNp-2B3…> Kind regards, PSGB Media Officer . This message is from Primate Society of Great Britain<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQPKwmV-…> Unsubscribe<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQDHJQ64…> | Manage preferences<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQDHJQ64…> Powered by White Fuse<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQD781IC…> Sent: 8 May 2026 3:54pm | Ref: 3116 ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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PhD opportunity at Nottingham Trent University
by Pawel Fedurek 30 Apr '26

30 Apr '26

FYI: Please find below a call for applications for an external PhD opportunity: We are currently advertising a fully funded PhD position (3 years, fully funded by the Leverhulme Trust) at Nottingham Trent University within the department of Psychology. In this PhD, the student will generate new data to measure the facial behaviour of two species of semi-free ranging macaques (Tonkean and rhesus) and subsequently quantify their expressivity. The project will assess the link between an individual’s facial expressivity (measured through ethological techniques) and the accuracy of their social knowledge (measured through cognitive testing). Using a secondary MRI dataset of the study subjects, and potentially incorporating new MRI, the student will also attempt to quantify the facial musculature of living primates and directly compare underlying anatomy with expressive behaviour. The project will include an approximately 10-month visit to the Centre for Primatology (SILABE, University of Strasbourg) for the collection of behavioural and cognitive data. All field costs will be covered by the project. You will be supported by interdisciplinary team: Jamie Whitehouse (Nottingham Trent University), Sébastien Ballesta (University of Strasbourg) and Bridget Waller (Nottingham Trent University). International applications welcome! Deadline 19th June, apply here: https://tinyurl.com/PhDNTU<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQAs9G3b…> and more information here: https://jamiewhitehouse.github.io/mappingconnections/<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQNp-2B3…> For any enquiries, contact Jamie Whitehouse (jamie.whitehouse(a)ntu.ac.uk<mailto:jamie.whitehouse@ntu.ac.uk>) ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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BERG/SHAIR seminar today, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 29 Apr '26

29 Apr '26

Dear All, Today (4pm) we have a seminar led by Patrick Allsop (Bangor University) about his PhD project entitled "Anthropogenic disturbance is associated with greater dietary diversity and differentiation of the gut microbial community in the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii)" - abstract below. The meeting will be held online (link below) but some of us will watch it from the common room. Abstract: Habitat loss is the primary threat to primates today, with many populations being encroached upon by human settlements and agriculture. Despite this, some generalist species can exploit novel anthropogenic opportunities to supplement their diet via crop foraging when preferred foods are scarce. This can potentially come with significant health risks however, including zoonoses and changes in the composition of the gut microbiome potentially increasing individuals’ susceptibility to pathogens. The Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii) is unusual in that congeners are highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, yet in some cases populations of P. kirkii can survive in highly disturbed habitats. We studied eight groups of Zanzibar red colobus living in the forests (n=3 groups) and farmlands (n=4 groups) of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and the urban village of Paje (1 group), to examine the effect of habitat disturbance on dietary composition and their gut microbiome. These were characterised by DNA metabarcoding, using 16S and ITS2 primers to sequence plant and bacterial DNA sequences found in faecal samples (n=137). We predicted that dietary diversity would be lowest in the urbanised village due to deforestation and highest in the farmland due to a greater variety of crops to supplement their diet in the absence of their preferred forest food species. We also predicted that the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome would vary across habitats in association with dietary composition. We found that farmland individuals had significantly higher dietary diversity than either forest or village individuals and that forest monkeys had a significantly less diverse gut microbiome than those in the urbanised village. Both dietary and microbiome composition showed significant variation between habitats. This demonstrates that although P. kirkii is capable of exploiting anthropogenic resources and landscapes, this may come at the cost of a disrupted gut microbiome. ink to the meeting: BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0>>> Best wishes, Pawel ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) School of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK @pawel-fedurek<https://bsky.app/profile/pawel-fedurek.bsky.social> @berg-stirling<https://bsky.app/profile/berg-stirling.bsky.social> Staff webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/resear…> I aim to reply within 3 working days (my working days are between Monday and Friday). ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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BERG/SHAIR seminar this Wednesday, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 27 Apr '26

27 Apr '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Patrick Allsop (Bangor University) about his PhD project entitled "Anthropogenic disturbance is associated with greater dietary diversity and differentiation of the gut microbial community in the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii)" - abstract below. The meeting will be held online (link below) but some of us will watch it from the common room. Abstract: Habitat loss is the primary threat to primates today, with many populations being encroached upon by human settlements and agriculture. Despite this, some generalist species can exploit novel anthropogenic opportunities to supplement their diet via crop foraging when preferred foods are scarce. This can potentially come with significant health risks however, including zoonoses and changes in the composition of the gut microbiome potentially increasing individuals’ susceptibility to pathogens. The Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii) is unusual in that congeners are highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, yet in some cases populations of P. kirkii can survive in highly disturbed habitats. We studied eight groups of Zanzibar red colobus living in the forests (n=3 groups) and farmlands (n=4 groups) of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and the urban village of Paje (1 group), to examine the effect of habitat disturbance on dietary composition and their gut microbiome. These were characterised by DNA metabarcoding, using 16S and ITS2 primers to sequence plant and bacterial DNA sequences found in faecal samples (n=137). We predicted that dietary diversity would be lowest in the urbanised village due to deforestation and highest in the farmland due to a greater variety of crops to supplement their diet in the absence of their preferred forest food species. We also predicted that the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome would vary across habitats in association with dietary composition. We found that farmland individuals had significantly higher dietary diversity than either forest or village individuals and that forest monkeys had a significantly less diverse gut microbiome than those in the urbanised village. Both dietary and microbiome composition showed significant variation between habitats. This demonstrates that although P. kirkii is capable of exploiting anthropogenic resources and landscapes, this may come at the cost of a disrupted gut microbiome. ink to the meeting: BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0>>> ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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Free ticket for Celebrating Jane Goodall - Wednesday 15th April, 6pm Edinburgh
by Hannah Buchanan-Smith 14 Apr '26

14 Apr '26

If anyone can go instead of me, please let me know and I'll send you my ticket. Celebrating Jane Goodall: A Life of Impact Wednesday 15 April 2026 18:00 The University of Edinburgh George Square, EH8 9LH Sent from Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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FW: two, 4-year PhD positions in The Evolutionary Roots of Altercentrism
by Pawel Fedurek 14 Apr '26

14 Apr '26

FYI Two PhD (or postdoc) Positions in the Evolutionary Cognition Group, University of Zurich Two, 4-year PhD positions are being offered in the Evolutionary Cognition Group<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQJSn15E…> of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology<https://links.whitefuse.net/ls/click?upn=u001.0DLfZXjD-2BwiUR1Oqo6rqQIcyna-…> at the University of Zurich. The candidates will be hired for the SNF project The Evolutionary Roots of Altercentrism. In a broader team, you will investigate whether altercentric effects on cognition are unique to humans, or instead also present in nonhuman primates. A strong focus is on the cooperatively breeding marmosets, who may be particularly susceptible to altercentric influences, and on how altercentrism may be influenced by dyadic and group properties such as bond strength, prosociality, and inter-individual synchronization at various levels (physiological with thermography, hormonal, behavioral and communicative). To identify evolutionary pathways toward altercentrism, additional nonhuman primate species will be tested. The project combines cutting-edge technologies: experiments and observations supported by computer vision and machine learning, gaze tracking, thermography, hormonal analyses, automated sound location and RIFD controlled tasks. Candidates with expertise in at least one oft these techniques are particularly welcome to apply. The successful candidate is expected to - be interested in animal cognition and communication and contribute to shaping the project - perform cognitive tests and collect observational data with marmosets - have previous experience with one of the above mentioned techniques, or a strong interest in it - collect data in additional nonhuman primate species - possess a solid background in statistics and data processing - be fluent in English (oral, written) Candidates should have a Msc degree or equivalent and a relevant training background in Biology, Psychology, or Evolutionary Anthropology. They will be part of the PhD program in Evolutionary Biology of the University of Zurich. The start of the positions is ideally in October 2026, or upon agreement. We may also consider postdoc applications for one of the positions. Please submit your application in a single pdf to judith.burkart(a)iea.uzh.ch<mailto:judith.burkart@iea.uzh.ch>, ideally until May 20, 2026. Applications should include a cover letter stating your motivation and how your expertise fits in this project (1 page), a CV, a copy of the highest degree obtained, and the names of two referees. We take gender balance and diversity seriously in our hiring decisions. ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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Fw: 2 phd positions
by Pawel Fedurek 10 Apr '26

10 Apr '26

FYI ________________________________ From: Judith Maria Burkart <judith.burkart(a)aim.uzh.ch> Sent: 10 April 2026 17:20 To: Judith Maria Burkart <judith.burkart(a)aim.uzh.ch> Subject: 2 phd positions Some people who received this message don't often get email from judith.burkart(a)aim.uzh.ch. Learn why this is important<https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification> CAUTION: This email originated from outside University of Stirling. Do not follow links or open attachments if you doubt the authenticity of the sender or the content. ________________________________ Dear friends and colleagues we are looking for two phd students (or postdocs) to work on primate cognition and behavior Please share with anyone who might be interested! Thanks a lot Judith Two PhD (postdoc) Positions in the Evolutionary Cognition Group We are offering two 4-year PhD positions in the Evolutionary Cognition Group of the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Zurich. The candidates will be hired for the SNF project The Evolutionary Roots of Altercentrism. In a broader team, we investigate whether altercentric effects on cognition are unique to humans, or instead also present in nonhuman primates. A strong focus is on the cooperatively breeding marmosets, who may be particularly susceptible to altercentric influences, and on how altercentrism may be influenced by dyadic and group properties such as bond strength, prosociality, and inter-individual synchronization at various levels (physiological with thermography, hormonal, behavioral and communicative). To identify evolutionary pathways toward altercentrism, additional nonhuman primate species will be tested. The project combines cutting-edge technologies: experiments and observations supported by computer vision and machine learning, gaze tracking, thermography, hormonal analyses, automated sound location and RIFD controlled tasks. Candidates with expertise in at least one oft these techniques are particularly welcome to apply. The successful candidate is expected to - be interested in animal cognition and communication and contribute to shaping the project - perform cognitive tests and collect observational data with marmosets - have previous experience with one of the above mentioned techniques, or a strong interest in it - collect data in additional nonhuman primate species - possess a solid background in statistics and data processing - be fluent in English (oral, written) Candidates should have a Msc degree or equivalent and a relevant training background in Biology, Psychology, or Evolutionary Anthropology. They will be part of the PhD program in Evolutionary Biology of the University of Zurich. The start of the positions is ideally in October 2026, or upon agreement. We may also consider postdoc applications for one of the positions. Please submit your application in a single pdf to judith.burkart(a)iea.uzh.ch, ideally until May 20, 2026. Applications should include a cover letter stating your motivation and how your expertise fits in this project (1 page), a CV, a copy of the highest degree obtained, and the names of two referees. We take gender balance and diversity seriously in our hiring decisions. _____________________________ Prof. Dr. Judith Burkart Department of Evolutionary Anthropology University of Zürich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich ++41 44 635 54 02 [cid:22762d50-bbbb-4672-b1fa-030465604bee]Evolutionary Cognition Group<https://evocog-uzh.squarespace.com/> _____________________________ ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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BERG/SHAIR talk next week: Exploring the Behavioural and Emotional Impact of Equine Assisted Therapy
by Clare Andrews 10 Apr '26

10 Apr '26

Dear BERGers and SHAIRers, In next week’s talk we’ll be hearing from Calum Stephens, who is conducting research in collaboration with Dr Line Caes in our Department and with the charity 'Ponies Help Children<https://www.ponieshelpchildren.com/>’. The talk will be in-person in the Psychology Common Room C.3A94 on Wednesday 15 April 4-5pm (also hybrid on Teams - see link below). Afterwards everyone is very welcome to join Calum, myself and (I hope) many of our Human-Animal Interaction postgrad students for some informal chat and ‘Scran’ in Campus Central. Title: Exploring the Behavioural and Emotional Impact of Equine Assisted Therapy Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of a ground-based Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) programme for children and young people presenting with behavioural and emotional difficulties in a Scottish community setting. Despite growing interest in experiential, non-verbal interventions for neurodiverse and trauma-exposed populations, robust service-based evaluations remain limited. Using a repeated-measures design, behavioural and emotional risk was assessed via the BASC-3 Behavioural and Emotional Screening System (BESS), completed by parents and teachers at baseline and post-intervention (7 weeks), Participants (N=22) initially presented within elevated clinical risk ranges. Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in internalising difficulties, alongside moderate effect sizes for both internalising symptoms (d = −0.62) and overall behavioural/emotional risk (d = −0.54). Although reductions in total risk scores did not remain significant after correction, consistent downward trends across informants suggest meaningful clinical improvement. No significant changes were observed in externalising or adaptive functioning, and no clear dose–response relationship emerged with session attendance. Findings highlight EAT’s potential to support emotional regulation, particularly anxiety and low mood, through relational, embodied processes aligned with trauma-informed and Adlerian frameworks. Improvements were observed across neurodevelopmental groups, suggesting broad applicability. However, variability in outcomes and small sample size limit definitive conclusions. Overall, this study provides cautious but encouraging evidence for EAT as a complementary intervention within child and adolescent mental health services. Future research employing larger, controlled designs and longitudinal follow-up is required to confirm efficacy, clarify mechanisms, and inform integration into mainstream provision. BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0> Look forward to seeing many of you next week! Best wishes, Clare Students: book to talk with me here<https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/PsychologyY1PersonalTuteesTutorD…>. Seeking support? Support is also available to students via the Student Hub<https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/> and 24/7 spectrum.life<https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/student-support-servi…> service. Please share your feedback with your University via the national surveys: ✅ Taught postgraduate students - PTES survey<https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/stirling/postgraduate-taught-experie…> (password 'stirling' and your student ID) ✅ Fourth year students - National Student Survey<http://www.thestudentsurvey.com/> Dr Clare Andrews (preferred pronouns: she/her) MA MSc DPhil FHEA Lecturer in Psychology, Programme Director for MSc/MA Human-Animal Interaction<https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/pg-taught/human-animal-interaction/> and Module Co-ordinator for Climate and Environmental Psychology<https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/module/?code=PRMP1CE&session=2024/5&semester…> Psychology Division University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA ResearchGate<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Clare_Andrews> LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/in/clareandrews/> Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/clareandrews.bsky.social> [First Aider for Mental Health logo][A black background with yellow text Description automatically generated] I aim to read and respond to email within 3 working days, but during busy periods or during/following annual leave my response may take longer. I check my emails at varying times of day and I do not expect an immediate response from my correspondents. [cid:image008.jpg@01D9EC8D.9CF4E7E0] [Facebook icon]<https://www.facebook.com/universityofstirling/> [Twitter icon] <https://twitter.com/StirUni> [LinkedIn icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/edu/university-of-stirling-12676> [Instagram icon] <https://www.instagram.com/universityofstirling/> [Youtbue icon] <https://www.youtube.com/user/UniversityOfStirling> [Banner]<https://www.stir.ac.uk/> ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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BERG/SHAIR Seminar this Wednesday 8th April
by Alejandro Sanchez Amaro 07 Apr '26

07 Apr '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Stephan Kaufhold (University of California San Diego) entitled "Navigating Social Risk and Resource Access: Social Distances and Pathogen Avoidance in Macaques" - abstract below. The meeting will be held online: please find a link to the meeting below. How primates navigate their environment depends not only on physical constraints but on the social landscape around them. In this talk, I present ongoing research on macaques at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary in southern Texas. First, I present a study on social tolerance using a hybrid computer vision approach that shows how macaques' movement trajectories around food resources result from balancing social risk with resource access. I then discuss work on pathogen avoidance, examining how early rearing history and recent disease outbreaks shape pathogen sensitivity in macaques, highlighting the flexible and experience-dependent nature of the behavioral immune system. Link to the meeting: BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0>>>>> Best Alex ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Alejandro Sanchez-Amaro Lecturer in Psychology Cottrell Building Room 3B144c, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling @ Colleagues and Students: Please let me know of any EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) -related issues that you would like me to bring to the attention of our Division's EDI Committee. [cid:d9b9c0c3-3204-4eb5-ad4a-a92513464926]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/2a25868e07e14f2d87f6b0b660fce268…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/2a25868e07e14f2d87f6b0b660fce268…> ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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No BERG seminar today
by Pawel Fedurek 01 Apr '26

01 Apr '26

Dear All, Just to let you know that there is no seminar today but we will have one next week. Best wishes, Pawel ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) School of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling Stirling, FK9 4LA Scotland, UK @pawel-fedurek<https://bsky.app/profile/pawel-fedurek.bsky.social> @berg-stirling<https://bsky.app/profile/berg-stirling.bsky.social> Staff webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG webpage<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/resear…> I aim to reply within 3 working days (my working days are between Monday and Friday). ________________________________ Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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