Dear BERGers,
This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar with Dr Eleonore Rolland (CNRS, Bron, France) giving a talk entitled "Evidence of organized but not disorganized attachment in wild Western chimpanzee offspring (Pan troglodytes verus)" (abstract below). The meeting will be held online (link below).
Abstract:
Human attachment theory outlines three organized types: secure, insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant, all considered adaptive responses to maternal care for offspring survival. In contrast, disorganized attachment is hypothesized to be maladaptive and therefore uncommon in wild mammals, though this remains untested. We assessed attachment types in 50 wild chimpanzees (ages 0–10 years) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Using 3,795 h of mother and offspring focal observations, we found no behaviours indicative of disorganized attachment. To explore organized attachment, we analysed a subset of 18 immature chimpanzees and their behavioural responses to 309 natural threatening events. Their responses showed organized attachment patterns: some sought maternal closeness (secure-like), while others displayed independence (insecure-avoidant-like). Our study supports the hypothesis that organized attachment types are adaptive and have a long evolutionary history.
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 (Fall 2025)
Date
Speaker
Affiliation
Title
Chair
Format
19-Nov-25
Eleonore Rolland
Eleonore Rolland
tbc: mother-infant attachment in wild chimpanzees
Pawel
Online
26-Nov-25
TBC - Offered to Roxanne Hawkins
Clare
03-Dec-25
Floriane Fournier
Université Jean Monnet
"tbc: The role of nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos "
Pawel
Online
10-Dec-25
Faye Whiley
The Missing Lynx Project
tbc: Social science in stakeholder engagement for lynx co-existence
Clare
Online
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
Dear BERGers,
This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar with Dr Melissa Berthet (University of Rennes) giving a talk entitled "Bonobo vocal communication and the evolution of compositionality" (abstract below). The meeting will be held online (link below).
Abstract:
Compositionality- the capacity to combine meaningful elements into larger structures whose meaning depends on the meanings of the parts and the way they are combined- is a hallmark of human language. In this talk, I will present new findings on the compositional capacities of wild bonobos. Specifically, by conducting a comprehensive investigation of meaning and adapting methods from linguistics, I will show that bonobo vocal communication extensively relies on compositionality. This suggests that the ability to construct complex meanings from smaller vocal units was already present in our ancestors at least 7 million years ago.
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 (Fall 2025)
Date
Speaker
Affiliation
Title
Chair
Format
12-Nov-25
Mélissa Berthet
University of Rennes
tbc: vocal behaviour in bonobos
Pawel
Online
19-Nov-25
Eleonore Rolland
Eleonore Rolland
tbc: mother-infant attachment in wild chimpanzees
Pawel
Online
26-Nov-25
TBC
Clare
03-Dec-25
Floriane Fournier
Université Jean Monnet
"tbc: The role of nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos "
Pawel
Online
10-Dec-25
Faye Whiley
The Missing Lynx Project
tbc: Social science in stakeholder engagement for lynx co-existence
Clare
Online
________________________________
Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence
The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159
Dear All,
The topic of today’s BERG meeting will be impact-related research conducted by our group. The meeting will take place in the Psychology Common Room (in person only). Feel free to come along if you’re around!
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
Dear All,
Just to let you know that there will be no BERG meeting this and next week (Reading Week). The next meeting (5 November) will be in person and related to BERG impact research. The next research seminar (12 November) will be given by Dr Melissa Berthet (about wild bonobo vocal behaviour).
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
Dear BERGers,
A quick reminder that today (4pm) Luke Townrow (Johns Hopkins University) is giving a talk about one of her PhD projects entitled "Nonhuman Primate Theory of Mind: An Investigation Into Cues & Representations". The meeting will be held online (link below).
Abstract:
Theory of mind - our ability to ascribe mental states to others and use these attributions to predict their subsequent behaviors - is critical for human social cognition. Whilst we know that theory of mind in humans can facilitate everyday behaviors ranging from playful deception to cooperative conversations, work over the last 20 years has more closely considered the similarities and differences in perspective-taking capacities that we may share with our closest living relatives. The extent to which nonhuman primates rely on theory of mind is highly debated, including discussions regarding how flexibly these abilities can be deployed (i.e., across both cooperative and competitive contexts), and what mental states they can even represent. I will be presenting two studies completed as part of my PhD so far that speak to great apes’ abilities to represent the minds of others, with particular emphasis on cues and representations. I will argue that nonhuman great apes demonstrate a capacity for the flexible deployment of perspective-taking across various contexts, that they can minimally track the ignorance of other agents and are able to use mental state representations to flexibly adapt their own behaviors (i.e., rates of communication).
---
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>>>
BERG seminar schedule (Fall 2025)
Wednesday 16:00
15-Oct-25
Luke Townrow
John Hopkins University
tbc: great apes cognition
Alex
tbc
Wednesday 16:00
22-Oct-25
tbc
29-Oct-25
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Wednesday 16:00
5-Nov-25
IMPACT meeting
Pawel
F2F
Wednesday 16:00
12-Nov-25
Mélissa Berthet
University of Rennes
tbc: vocal behaviour in bonobos
Pawel
Online
Wednesday 16:00
19-Nov-25
Eleonore Rolland
Eleonore Rolland
tbc: mother-infant attachment in wild chimpanzees
Pawel
Online
Wednesday 16:00
26-Nov-25
tbc
Wednesday 16:00
3-Dec-25
Floriane Fournier
Université Jean Monnet
"tbc: The role of nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos "
Pawel
Online
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
FYI:
A volunteer research assistant (RA) is needed to join a team of existing RAs assisting PhD student Julie Chase with on-campus fieldwork and data processing as part of the Crow Behavior and Cognition Project. This position will run through early December, but the RA would have an additional opportunity to continue with the crow project during the carrion crow breeding season (late March-July). This is a unique opportunity for students interested in both observational and experimental behavioral research on wild animals. No experience is needed, but punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail are key. Estimated weekly time commitment is anywhere from 2-4 hours, although this may vary based on requirements, weather, and availability.
Field/data collection:
1.
A field study investigating the allofeeding of a disabled carrion crow by two healthy crows. This is an exceptionally rare behavior that has only ever been reported in a few species, all mammals. The RA would help Julie with videoing and collecting behavioral data in 1-hour long sessions, up to 2-3 mornings per week.
2.
Temporarily assisting with care of a carrion crow undergoing rehabilitation for a plumage issue.
3.
Ringing adult crows. In collaboration with experts from BTO Scotland and Tay Ringing Group, we are currently ringing the campus crows for identification from afar and conducting simple behavioral tests to determine reactions to the stress of this human handling. While this activity is optional, it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about behavioral research on (very) temporarily captive animals, as well as new field ecology techniques. The RA would primarily assist with note taking and sample collection.
Data processing:
1.
Coding video of the disabled and the allofeeding crows using a behavioral ethogram.
2.
Processing audio data measuring the soundscape across the University campus.
If interested, please get in touch with Julia (Julie) Chase at j.e.chase(a)stir.ac.uk.
Thanks,
Julie
____________________________________
Julie Chase (she/her)
PhD Student
Crow Behaviour & Cognition Project
Behaviour & Evolution Research Group
Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences
University of Stirling
Stirling, FK9 4LA
Scotland, UK
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
Dear BERGers,
This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar with Luke Townrow (Johns Hopkins University) giving a talk about one of her PhD projects entitled "Nonhuman Primate Theory of Mind: An Investigation Into Cues & Representations". The meeting will be held online (link below).
Abstract:
Theory of mind - our ability to ascribe mental states to others and use these attributions to predict their subsequent behaviors - is critical for human social cognition. Whilst we know that theory of mind in humans can facilitate everyday behaviors ranging from playful deception to cooperative conversations, work over the last 20 years has more closely considered the similarities and differences in perspective-taking capacities that we may share with our closest living relatives. The extent to which nonhuman primates rely on theory of mind is highly debated, including discussions regarding how flexibly these abilities can be deployed (i.e., across both cooperative and competitive contexts), and what mental states they can even represent. I will be presenting two studies completed as part of my PhD so far that speak to great apes’ abilities to represent the minds of others, with particular emphasis on cues and representations. I will argue that nonhuman great apes demonstrate a capacity for the flexible deployment of perspective-taking across various contexts, that they can minimally track the ignorance of other agents and are able to use mental state representations to flexibly adapt their own behaviors (i.e., rates of communication).
---
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>>>
BERG seminar schedule (Fall 2025)
Wednesday 16:00
15-Oct-25
Luke Townrow
John Hopkins University
tbc: great apes cognition
Alex
tbc
Wednesday 16:00
22-Oct-25
tbc
29-Oct-25
MID SEMESTER BREAK
Wednesday 16:00
5-Nov-25
IMPACT meeting
Pawel
F2F
Wednesday 16:00
12-Nov-25
Mélissa Berthet
University of Rennes
tbc: vocal behaviour in bonobos
Pawel
Online
Wednesday 16:00
19-Nov-25
Eleonore Rolland
Eleonore Rolland
tbc: mother-infant attachment in wild chimpanzees
Pawel
Online
Wednesday 16:00
26-Nov-25
tbc
Wednesday 16:00
3-Dec-25
Floriane Fournier
Université Jean Monnet
"tbc: The role of nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos "
Pawel
Online
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
FYI
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).
________________________________
From: Psychology Enquiries <psych-enquiries(a)stir.ac.uk>
Sent: 09 October 2025 09:53
To: PsychAcadStaff <PsychAcadStaff(a)stir.ac.uk>
Subject: Fw: Primate Behavior and Conservation Field Course in Uganda
________________________________
From: Kimberly Dingess <kdingess(a)semlikichimpanzee.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 04:08
To: subramaniamram(a)fhda.edu <subramaniamram(a)fhda.edu>
Subject: Primate Behavior and Conservation Field Course in Uganda
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.
________________________________
The Semliki Chimpanzee Project is now accepting applications for its Primate Behavior and Conservation field course in Uganda. The course dates are July 15-31, 2026. Students can participate on a credit or non-credit basis.
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of Uganda culture, geography and wildlife. They will attend lectures on Ugandan conservation and wildlife by a guest lecturer from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (the national parks oversight organization); they will learn about the Ugandan independence and Kampala city history; they will visit the Entebbe Zoo where they will see a wide variety of Ugandan wildlife; they will live in tents in Semliki surrounded by wildlife including warthogs, kob, bushbuck, baboons, chimpanzees, redtail monkeys and forest elephants; at dusk they will be serenaded by black and white colobus (among the loudest animals on the planet) and during the night they will hear bushbabies and owls; they may see a nocturnal potto in the tamarind tree near the toilets; they will visit the famed Queen Elizabeth National Park where they will see wildlife such as millions of Uganda kob as well as elephants, hippos, crocodiles, banded mongoose, vervets, baboons and possibly lions; they will visit local markets in Ntoroko, Karagutu and Fort Portal; at Lake Albert they will see the famous and rare shoebill stork; they will look out over the famed Rift Valley, a mile below them, from the top of the rift escarpment; they will visit a tea plantation and see the harvesting and drying of the famous Ugandan tea (and receive a free sample); they will visit a smallholder family farm to see how self-sustaining families manage to produce their own vegetables, protein and natural products on a family-owned plot of land; they will trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They will be immersed in Ugandan culture, nature and animals and guided by Ugandans and instructors with decades of experience in Uganda and all of Africa.
For more information and to apply, visit Semliki Chimpanzee Project Field School – Semliki Chimpanzee Project<https://semliki.blog/>
If you have any questions or would like a course information packet, please contact us at kdingess(a)semlikichimpanzee.org<mailto:kdingess@semlikichimpanzee.org>.
________________________________
Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence
The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159
