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BERG/SHAIR seminar today, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 25 Mar '26

25 Mar '26

Dear All, Today (4pm) we have a seminar led by Janie Fink (University of St Andrews/Macquarie University) entitled "Comparative Delayed Match-to-Sample: Exploring Arbitrary and Causal Cues in Capuchin, Squirrel Monkeys, and Children" - abstract below. The meeting will be held in person/hybrid in the Psychology Common Room. To those joining online: please find a link to the meeting below. Abstract Short-term memory (STM) is vital for everyday activities of primates from navigating environments to resourcing food. While all primates utilize STM, there can be a wide range of limitations and capabilities. This study takes a comparative approach to understanding STM across three primate species: tufted capuchins (n=25, Sapajus apella), squirrel monkeys (n=13, Saimiri sciureus), and children (n=69, ages 2-4 years, Homo sapiens). The study also empirically challenges decisions regarding the methodological procedure for Delayed Match-to-Sample task through the manipulation of arbitrary verse casual cues. Participants are presented with a target object and then required to select the match from an array. There are two cue conditions: a causal cue, where half of the participants watch a reward be placed inside of the target, and an arbitrary cue, where the remainder watch a reward be presented by the target. Monkeys participated in 100 trials over several weeks, while children participated in 12 trials during a visit to the zoo. A generalized linear mixed effects model will be used to evaluate how duration, age, condition, preference bias, learning curve, and individual difference impact STM. We hypothesize that the casual cue will lead to better memory performance, due to object permanence and the ecological validity of the condition, compared to the arbitrary cue. Taking a comparative approach to this study will provide a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of primate memory and their range of abilities. Lastly, the study aims to provide empirical evidence for methodological choices in experimental designs. 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://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 23 Mar '26

23 Mar '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Janie Fink (University of St Andrews/Macquarie University) entitled "Comparative Delayed Match-to-Sample: Exploring Arbitrary and Causal Cues in Capuchin, Squirrel Monkeys, and Children" - abstract below. The meeting will be held in person/hybrid in the Psychology Common Room. To those joining online: please find a link to the meeting below. Abstract Short-term memory (STM) is vital for everyday activities of primates from navigating environments to resourcing food. While all primates utilize STM, there can be a wide range of limitations and capabilities. This study takes a comparative approach to understanding STM across three primate species: tufted capuchins (n=25, Sapajus apella), squirrel monkeys (n=13, Saimiri sciureus), and children (n=69, ages 2-4 years, Homo sapiens). The study also empirically challenges decisions regarding the methodological procedure for Delayed Match-to-Sample task through the manipulation of arbitrary verse casual cues. Participants are presented with a target object and then required to select the match from an array. There are two cue conditions: a causal cue, where half of the participants watch a reward be placed inside of the target, and an arbitrary cue, where the remainder watch a reward be presented by the target. Monkeys participated in 100 trials over several weeks, while children participated in 12 trials during a visit to the zoo. A generalized linear mixed effects model will be used to evaluate how duration, age, condition, preference bias, learning curve, and individual difference impact STM. We hypothesize that the casual cue will lead to better memory performance, due to object permanence and the ecological validity of the condition, compared to the arbitrary cue. Taking a comparative approach to this study will provide a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of primate memory and their range of abilities. Lastly, the study aims to provide empirical evidence for methodological choices in experimental designs. 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://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 18 Mar '26

18 Mar '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Robert Aitchison (University of Stirling) entitled "Effects of Increasing Spatial Distribution on Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) Vocalisation Patterns" - abstract below. The meeting will be held in person/hybrid in the Psychology Common Room. To those joining online: please find a link to the meeting below. Abstract Geographic variation in acoustic signalling of passerines is widely documented, yet evidence for alterations in Corvidae vocalisations, specifically carrion crows (Corvus corone), remains outmoded. Vocalisations play important roles in mate attraction, territorial defence, and social unity; this study investigates whether increasing spatial distribution influences vocal variation in carrion crows and whether spatially separated populations exhibit acoustic divergence. Audio recordings were sourced from the bioacoustic library Xeno-canto, in addition to focal sampling performed at the University of Stirling, and Stirling city centre. Currently 3,500 audio files have been collated, all recordings standardised and analysed using spectral and temporal bioacoustic methods. Acoustic features such as call rate, call duration, fundamental frequency (F0) parameters, and frequency bandwidth will be extracted using Praat. Principal component analysis will reduce dimensionality of acoustic variables; permuted discriminant function analysis will assess community-level variation while controlling for individual identity. Spatial patterns will be evaluated using geographic distance matrices and k-nearest neighbour analysis. Generalised linear mixed models will examine the influence of environmental variables: location, urbanisation level, and calendar and breeding seasons. The results will explicate whether carrion crow vocalisations vary with increasing spatial distance and environmental context, providing new insights into corvid communication and population divergence. 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://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 today, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 18 Mar '26

18 Mar '26

Dear All, A quick remider that today (4pm) we have a seminar led by Robert Aitchison (University of Stirling) entitled "Effects of Increasing Spatial Distribution on Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) Vocalisation Patterns" - abstract below. The meeting will be held in person/hybrid in the Psychology Common Room. To those joining online: please find a link to the meeting below. Abstract Geographic variation in acoustic signalling of passerines is widely documented, yet evidence for alterations in Corvidae vocalisations, specifically carrion crows (Corvus corone), remains outmoded. Vocalisations play important roles in mate attraction, territorial defence, and social unity; this study investigates whether increasing spatial distribution influences vocal variation in carrion crows and whether spatially separated populations exhibit acoustic divergence. Audio recordings were sourced from the bioacoustic library Xeno-canto, in addition to focal sampling performed at the University of Stirling, and Stirling city centre. Currently 3,500 audio files have been collated, all recordings standardised and analysed using spectral and temporal bioacoustic methods. Acoustic features such as call rate, call duration, fundamental frequency (F0) parameters, and frequency bandwidth will be extracted using Praat. Principal component analysis will reduce dimensionality of acoustic variables; permuted discriminant function analysis will assess community-level variation while controlling for individual identity. Spatial patterns will be evaluated using geographic distance matrices and k-nearest neighbour analysis. Generalised linear mixed models will examine the influence of environmental variables: location, urbanisation level, and calendar and breeding seasons. The results will explicate whether carrion crow vocalisations vary with increasing spatial distance and environmental context, providing new insights into corvid communication and population divergence. 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://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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Fwd: PhD position in York on collaborative problem-solving in children
by Alex Sanchez 13 Mar '26

13 Mar '26

FYI Phd Positions in York (Developmental Psychology) > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Matthias Allritz <matthias_allritz(a)eva.mpg.de> > To: Josep Call <jc276(a)st-andrews.ac.uk>, "keith.jensen(a)manchester.ac.uk" <keith.jensen(a)manchester.ac.uk>, "bahar.koymen(a)manchester.ac.uk" <bahar.koymen(a)manchester.ac.uk>, "bridget.waller(a)ntu.ac.uk" <bridget.waller(a)ntu.ac.uk>, Malinda Carpenter <mc213(a)st-andrews.ac.uk>, Emma McEwen <esm7(a)st-andrews.ac.uk>, Andreea Miscov <amm52(a)st-andrews.ac.uk>, "merryn.constable(a)northumbria.ac.uk" <merryn.constable(a)northumbria.ac.uk>, "j.u.ross(a)dundee.ac.uk" <j.u.ross(a)dundee.ac.uk>, Drew Altschul <dremalt(a)gmail.com>, "patricia.kanngiesser(a)plymouth.ac.uk" <patricia.kanngiesser(a)plymouth.ac.uk>, "eithne.kavanagh(a)ntu.ac.uk" <eithne.kavanagh(a)ntu.ac.uk>, Alex Sanchez <alex_sanchez(a)eva.mpg.de> > Date: 03/13/2026 8:26 AM GMT > Subject: PhD position in York on collaborative problem-solving in children > > > Dear colleagues, > > please consider sharing these PhD opportunities at York St John University, UK: https://jobs.yorksj.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=035-26 > > One position that may be relevant to your colleagues is with Shona Duguid to work on the development of children’s collaborative problem-solving skills. Please feel free to share with students who are finishing a Bachelor's or Master's degree and would like to do a PhD in the UK. > > Best, > > Matthias __________________________________ Dr. Alejandro Sanchez Amaro Lecturer in Psychology Cottrell Building Room 3B144c, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling

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Fw: Save the Date – Curiosity Summer School 2026 (20–24 July, Göttingen)
by Alejandro Sanchez Amaro 10 Mar '26

10 Mar '26

FYI Curiosity Summer School in Germany, Summer 2026 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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:80524185-a839-43fb-8c1e-7155b672d0bf]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/2a25868e07e14f2d87f6b0b660fce268…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/2a25868e07e14f2d87f6b0b660fce268…> ________________________________ From: School, Curiosity <curiosity-school(a)uni-goettingen.de> Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 8:22 PM Subject: Save the Date – Curiosity Summer School 2026 (20–24 July, Göttingen) You don't often get email from curiosity-school(a)uni-goettingen.de. 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 community, Recently, we contacted you with regards to the Curiosity Summer School 2026, organized by the RTG 2906 Curiosity<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/681631.html>. The application period for participants is fast approaching, and we would be delighted if you would pass on the information below to potentially interested doctoral researchers! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Save the Date! We are delighted to announce that the Curiosity Summer School 2026, organized by the RTG 2906 Curiosity<https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/681631.html>, will take place from 20–24 July 2026 at the University of Göttingen, Germany. Please save the date and feel free to share this announcement within your networks. The Summer School aims to provide doctoral researchers with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the topic of curiosity, while also creating a platform for active exchange and collaboration between junior and senior scientists. This year, we will welcome an outstanding group of scientists who will contribute both lectures and hands-on workshops, including George Loewenstein, Mehdi Khamassi, Kou Murayama, Alejandro Sánchez-Amaro, and others. Applications will be open from 15 March to 15 April 2026. We encourage you to apply within this period. For the most up-to-date and official information regarding the program, speakers, application process, and schedule, please visit: https://events.gwdg.de/e/CSS You can also follow us on LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-training-group-2906-curiosity/> and Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/rtg2906-curiosity.bsky.social> for further updates. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at curiosity-school(a)uni-goettingen.de<mailto:curiosity-school@uni-goettingen.de>. We look forward to welcoming you to Göttingen in July. Best wishes, The Curiosity Summer School 2026 Organizing Team University of Göttingen - Research Training Group 2906 Curiosity ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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Celebrate Jane Goodall’s legacy and International Women's Day – exclusive 24 hour offer
by Hannah Buchanan-Smith 08 Mar '26

08 Mar '26

See details below, inc £10 off ticket price code that must be used before 10am Monday to be eligible. Wednesday 15th April, Edinburgh Sent from Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: Edinburgh Science <hello(a)info.scifest.co.uk> Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 10:00 am To: Hannah Buchanan-Smith <h.m.buchanan-smith(a)stir.ac.uk> Subject: Celebrate International Women's Day – exclusive 24 hour offer 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. ________________________________ £10 off select events View this email in your browser<https://info.scifest.co.uk/cr/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoMNSCxAdRt-OVFAyuLjKvWTHRj…> [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/921049_newsletter-banner_1…]<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINKrxxEo1ILEB7k87zR03XyYfP…> [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/1013948_newsletter---heade…]<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINOrxxEo1ILEB_CpcwKnlRtS1B…> Celebrate International Women's Day! Representation remains vitally important in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and we are proud to champion the achievements of women in science and science communication. We are delighted that over 60% of the artists and speakers taking part in this year's Festival identify as women. To celebrate International Women's Day, enjoy £10 off tickets to the following events for the next 24 hours using promo code WOMENINSTEM.* [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/1014016_gala-stem.png]<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINSrxxEo1ILEB5Gae1L8P3T521…> Thu 2 Apr | 7pmCentral Hall Scotland's past is filled with amazing women who changed the scientific path of history forever. Hear from some trailblazers as they explore the challenges faced both past and present, as former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chairs a panel including Astronomer Royal for Scotland Prof Catherine Heymans and author Janey Jones. Get tickets<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINWrxxEo1ILEB0Hzk990daVi-J…> [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/1014017_gayle-stem.png]<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINarxxEo1ILEB4pQRbabr8kzSW…> Sat 4 Apr | 6pmNational Museum of Scotland Enjoy a unique evening celebrating artist Gayle Chong Kwan's new art installation The Great Instauration, which interprets the dark, hidden history behind the Scottish Enlightenment. View the art piece after hours, followed by a fascinating in-depth discussion of the process and background with the artist, alongside some of the experts who assisted with the research. Ticket includes a welcome drink. Get tickets<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINerxxEo1ILEB9a0D39-Vvq37m…> [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/1014041_newsletter-image.p…]<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINirxxEo1ILEB78p0yPvQLcaih…> Sun 12 Apr | 6pmUsher Hall In this special event join Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, as she shares her unique, personal experiences from her historic 1991 mission aboard the Mir space station. Hear about some of her training, blasting off on a Soyuz rocket, what it’s like to live and work in space including conducting science experiments. Get tickets<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINmrxxEo1ILEB6InF7HQyktxEa…> [https://i.emlfiles4.com/cmpimg/0/4/4/8/5/3/files/1014019_jane-stem.png] Wed 15 Apr | 6pmMcEwan Hall Celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking research and community-led conservation work transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world. Hear from a panel of experts who worked alongside Goodall and those inspired by her work. Hosted by Robin Ince. Get tickets<https://info.scifest.co.uk/c/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINqrxxEo1ILEB6Ny0i0gYTGd_V…> *Offer valid until 10am Monday 9 March. Valid on the following events – Opening Gala: First Women of Science, Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration, An Evening with Astronaut Helen Sharman & Celebrating Jane Goodall: A Life of Impact. Can't be used in conjunction with any other offer, or be applied to orders retroactively. 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Our mailing address is: Edinburgh Science, Harbourside House 110 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH6 6NF, United Kingdom Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list<https://info.scifest.co.uk/uns/AQio8BUQl8KHAhiAhIgoINSCxAfzqrCg6NEfq4_g37V0…>. ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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Volunteer research assistants needed (crow research)
by Pawel Fedurek 02 Mar '26

02 Mar '26

FYI 3 volunteer research assistants (RAs) are needed this spring and summer (late March through mid-July) to assist PhD student Julie Chase with on-campus fieldwork as part of the Carrion Crow Behaviour and Cognition Project. This is a unique opportunity for students interested in both observational and experimental behavioural research on wild animals. The RAs would primarily help with a project assessing the effects of urbanisation on crow breeding activity by monitoring the approximately 20 crow territories across campus. After training, the RAs may undertake this activity independently and on their own schedules. It is very highly recommended that these observations are conducted in the morning, as that is when the crows are most active. RA responsibilities would include data collection, prompt data entry, and consistent communication with the rest of the research team. The RAs may also have the opportunity to assist with ringing of adult and fledgling crows, although plans for this project are still tentative. In collaboration with experts from BTO Scotland and Tay Ringing group, we would use a variety of methods to catch adult and fledgling crows and place rings on their legs for individual identification, as well as conduct simple behavioural tests to determine reactions to the stress of this human handling. This activity would take place near dawn, so as to minimise the disruption on campus. While this activity is optional, it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about behavioural research on (very) temporarily captive animals, as well as new field ecology techniques. The RAs would primarily assist with note taking, sample collection, and maintaining the work area. This RA position is not restricted to any specific course or year of study. No experience is needed, but punctuality, reliability, attention to detail, and communication skills are key. RAs will be expected to work independently at times. Full training will be provided. If interested, please get in touch with Julia (Julie) Chase at j.e.chase(a)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 meeting today, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 25 Feb '26

25 Feb '26

Dear All, A quick reminder that today (4pm) we have a seminar led by Floriane Fournier (University of Saint Etienne) entitled "Voices of Emotion: Investigating Cross-Species Vocal Communication in Bonobos" - abstract below. The meeting will be held online. Please find a link to the meeting below. Abstract The ability to perceive and respond to emotions expressed in vocalizations is widespread among mammals and plays a central role in social coordination and survival. However, while emotional communication within species is well documented, the mechanisms that enable emotion recognition across species remain poorly understood. Using bonobos (Pan paniscus) as a model within the Hominidae, this research investigates how emotional information is encoded in vocal signals and how it is decoded by both conspecifics and humans. Drawing on recent theoretical advances in cross-species emotion research, this work combines large-scale acoustic analyses with controlled playback experiments. Analyses of natural bonobo vocalizations show that nonlinear acoustic phenomena— a key component of vocal roughness—systematically vary with the caller’s affective state, increasing in emotionally intense contexts. Using parametrically resynthesized calls, causal tests demonstrate that vocal roughness directly influences receivers across species. Exposure to increased amplitude modulation elevates cardiac activity in both bonobos and humans, accelerates orientation responses in bonobos, and leads human listeners to perceive calls as more negative in valence and higher in arousal. These convergent physiological, attentional, and perceptual effects suggest that vocal roughness functions as a cross-species marker of emotional arousal. In parallel, emotional contagion of positive affect was investigated through laughter playbacks. Laughter, a high-arousal, positive-valence signal observed in humans and great apes, elicited play-related behaviors in bonobos. Responses were modulated by familiarity: laughter from familiar conspecifics and human caretakers enhanced positive engagement, whereas responses to unfamiliar individuals varied depending on species. Together, these findings provide evidence for evolutionary continuity in vocal emotion signaling across Hominidae and shed new light on the biological foundations of cross-species socio-emotional communication and empathy. Link to the meeting: BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0>> BERG seminar schedule (Spring 2026):  Date Speaker Affiliation Talk title Chair 25-Feb-26 Floriane Fournier Université Jean Monnet TBC. Nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos Pawel 4-Mar-26 MID SEMESTER BREAK 11-Mar-26 IMPACT meeting Impact research catch up Pawel 18-Mar-26 Robert Aitchison University of Stirling TBC. Carrion crow vocal behaviour Pawel 25-Mar-26 Janie Fink University of St Andrews; University of California Davis TBC. Comparative cognition, bee cognition Pawel 1-Apr-26 Maleen Thiele Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology TBC Alex 8-Apr-26 Stephan Kaufhold Univesity of California, San Diego TBC Alex 29-Apr-26 Patrick Allsop Bangor University TBC. Zanzibar red colobus, human-wildlife conflict Pawel Best wishes, Pawel Best wishes, Pawel ------------------------------- Dr Pawel Fedurek (he/his) Lecturer in Psychology Behaviour and Evolution Research Group (BERG) Division 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 page<https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1080868> | BERG page<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 23 Feb '26

23 Feb '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Ashleigh Messenger (University of Stirling) about her PhD study entitled "The importance of personality in ex-situ ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)" - abstract below. The meeting will be held in-person in the Psychology common room with a possibility of joining online. Abstract Ex-situ conservation of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) is becoming increasingly important, due to threats in the wild (LaFleur & Gould, 2020). However, there are many difficulties associated with the husbandry of this species, due to their complex social structure (Sauther & Sussman, 1993) and aggressive tendencies (Gould, Sussman & Sauther, 2003). Personality has been used as an indicator of welfare in many species. However, it is often difficult to determine which aspects of personality are the most relevant in a given species. The trait theory of personality can distinguish differences between species (allowing for cross-species comparison) and acknowledges individual differences within a given species (Tetley & O’Hara, 2012). This has been applied successfully to many species, including primates King & Figuerdo, 1997; Weiss et al., 2006; 2009; 2011) However, there has thus far been no attempt to describe personality structure in ring-tailed lemurs. This research aims to uncover the major traits of ring-tailed lemur personality by utilising these established methods. Link to the meeting: BERG research seminars | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams<https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.mic…<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0>> BERG seminar schedule (Spring 2026):  Date Speaker Affiliation Talk title Chair 18-Feb-26 Ashleigh Messenger University of Stirling TBC. Ring-tailed lemur personality and welfare Pawel 25-Feb-26 Floriane Fournier Université Jean Monnet TBC. Nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos Pawel 4-Mar-26 MID SEMESTER BREAK 11-Mar-26 IMPACT meeting Impact research catch up Pawel 18-Mar-26 Robert Aitchison University of Stirling TBC. Carrion crow vocal behaviour Pawel 25-Mar-26 Janie Fink University of St Andrews; University of California Davis TBC. Comparative cognition, bee cognition Pawel 1-Apr-26 Maleen Thiele Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology TBC Alex 8-Apr-26 Stephan Kaufhold Univesity of California, San Diego TBC Alex 29-Apr-26 Patrick Allsop Bangor University TBC. Zanzibar red colobus, human-wildlife conflict Pawel Best wishes, Pawel ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159

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