- BERG - University of Stirling Mailing Lists

BERG/SHAIR seminar today, 16:00
by Pawel Fedurek 18 Feb '26

18 Feb '26

Dear All, Quick reminder that today 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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Lecturer/teaching fellow jobs
by Pawel Fedurek 16 Feb '26

16 Feb '26

FYI https://mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID… https://mss.port.ac.uk/ce0732li_webrecruitment/wrd/run/etrec179gf.open?WVID… 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 11 Feb '26

11 Feb '26

Dear All, This Wednesday (4pm) we have a seminar led by Berta Roura-Torres (Georg-August University Göttingen) entitled "Early challenges shape fitness trajectories in mandrills" (abstract below). The meeting will be held online (link below). Abstract: Adverse events during early life that reduce access to resources or hinder their allocation can have lasting effects on health, survival, and reproduction in mammals, including humans, and the accumulation of such challenges often has stronger consequences than single events. Using a 12-year dataset from a wild population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), a cercopithecine primate, we examined how early life adversity (ELA) influences survival during infancy (under 1 year) and juvenility (1–4 years), female age at first reproduction, and male age at dispersal. We identified seven types of adversity, covering maternal, social, environmental, and demographic factors, and analyzed both their cumulative and individual effects. Infant survival was affected solely by maternal loss, with cumulative ELA showing no impact. Female reproductive timing responded to specific early-life conditions: individuals with a closely spaced younger sibling, born to low-ranking mothers, born in years with reduced rainfall, or with higher cumulative ELA reproduced later, whereas females born to primiparous mothers reproduced earlier. In contrast, male age at dispersal showed no effect of ELA. Overall, these findings indicate that cumulative adversity does not consistently shape survival in mandrills, but it can influence female reproductive timing. They further suggest that the consequences of early-life challenges vary across life-history traits and sexes, with particular conditions sometimes playing a larger role than the accumulation of adversity in shaping fitness. Finally, this talk presents preliminary results on early physical development during infancy, obtained using an innovative non-invasive approach based on a trained AI model applied to photographic portrait, which may represent a potential pathway linking ELA to later-life survival and reproductive outcomes. 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 2025) Date Speaker Affiliation Talk title Chair 4-Feb-26 Berta Roura-Torres Georg-August University Göttingen Early challenges shape fitness trajectories in mandrills Pawel 11-Feb-26 Dylan Feldmeier University of Oxford The Global Threat of Wire Snare Poaching: Impacts and Research Priorities Pawel 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 ------------------------------- 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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Postings for a Welfare Postdoc
by Sharon Kessler 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

Hi everyone, See below for an animal welfare related postdoc opportunity. Sharon -------------------------- Sharon Kessler (she/her), PhD Lecturer in Psychology Cottrell Building Room 3B92, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, SCOTLAND Tel: +44(0)1786 467 651 Email: sharon.kessler(a)stir.ac.uk Website: https://www.stir.ac.uk/people/1104622#research; https://www.sharonekessler.com/ Book review editor: International Journal of Primatology If I am your personal tutor, here’s how I can help<https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/professional-services/student-academic-and-cor…>. You can also get support from the Student Services Hub<https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/>. [cid:13c2302d-87fd-4f98-82fd-4ea6cc61f1ad]<https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/student-support-servi…> ________________________________ From: Wild Animal Welfare Listserv <outreach(a)wildanimalinitiative.org> Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 11:10 PM To: Sharon Kessler <sharon.kessler(a)stir.ac.uk> Subject: Postings for a WAW Postdoc, Insect Welfare Scientist, and AWRN Coordinating Group Member 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 Wild Animal Welfare Researchers, We are excited to share the following opportunities in wild animal welfare! ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/3fe8df61a67e/postings-for-a-waw-postdoc-insect-welfare-s…> Wild Animal Initiative Research Community <https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [A banner shows and insect on a leaf. A white version of the Wild Animal Initiative logo sits in the bottom left corner.] Dear Wild Animal Welfare Researchers, We are excited to share the following opportunities in wild animal welfare! Position | Postdoc Postdoctoral Associate – Wild Animal Welfare Program The NYU Wild Animal Welfare Program is currently seeking a postdoctoral associate to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on wild animals in urban environments. The project, called the “Wildlife Inclusive Local Development Lab” (WILD Lab), advances scientific understanding of urban development’s impacts on wild animal welfare and develops policy frameworks to improve outcomes for urban wildlife. The postdoctoral associate will serve as the WILD Lab’s science coordinator, leading empirical research in collaboration with colleagues in philosophy, law, and policy [https://mcusercontent.com/5efe5c04cc5331e10e6ca92b0/images/8c75fa37-2098-3b…] Apply<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> Position | Non-academic Remote Research Scientist The Insect Welfare Research Society is seeking a Research Scientist to advance the field of invertebrate welfare science through the development of key infrastructure, synthesis of existing knowledge, and community building. This is a one-year position with an expectation of renewal for a second year given good performance. The role is fully remote and open to international candidates. Candidates must have a PhD in entomology or a closely related discipline. Applications are due March 15. [https://mcusercontent.com/5efe5c04cc5331e10e6ca92b0/images/8c75fa37-2098-3b…] Apply<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> Position | Non-academic AWRN Coordinating Group The Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) is overseen by a coordinating group, which is currently recruiting members! AWRN is seeking Early Career Representatives, which have a two-year term and are selected by the Early Career Committee. Additionally, they are offering the opportunity for people to create their own position on the Coordinating Group. This can be any role that would benefit the membership of the AWRN. These positions will be for a 3-year period and are selected by the Coordinating Group. [https://mcusercontent.com/5efe5c04cc5331e10e6ca92b0/images/8c75fa37-2098-3b…] Learn more<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> Reply to this email if you would like to share any similar such opportunities with the community. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week! Events calendar<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> Opportunities board<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [Bluesky icon]<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [Facebook icon]<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [Website icon]<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [LinkedIn icon]<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> <https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5efe5c04cc5…> [Wild Animal Initiative logo] Wild Animal Initiative 5123 W 98th St #1204 Minneapolis, MN 55437 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/profile?u=5efe5c04cc5331e…> or unsubscribe<https://wildanimalinitiative.us14.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=5efe5c04cc5…> ________________________________ 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 Assistant Opportunity
by Pawel Fedurek 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

FYI: Research Assistant Opportunity Acoustic Ecology of Carrion Crows (Corvus corone) I am seeking motivated and enthusiastic Research Assistants to support a PhD project investigating the acoustic ecology of carrion crows in the UK. Project Overview The carrion crow is a widespread and familiar species across urban and rural environments in the UK. While crows are well known for their cognitive abilities, their vocalisations remain relatively understudied. This project aims to examine how urbanisation, environmental variables, and spatial distance influence carrion crow vocal behaviour, contributing to a broader understanding of animal communication in human-altered environments. Role Description Working closely with the PhD researcher, the Research Assistant will contribute to several aspects of the project, including: * Assisting with fieldwork (e.g. audio recording of crow vocalisations) * Downloading, organising, and managing audio recordings * Supporting literature research related to bioacoustics, urban ecology, and animal behaviour * Assisting with data processing and analysis (training provided) The role is flexible, and tasks can be tailored to your interests within the topic (e.g. field ecology, bioacoustics, data analysis, or literature-based research). Training and Support Previous experience welcome but not essential. Full training will be provided in all aspects of the role, including field methods, acoustic data handling, and analysis techniques. This position is ideal for students or early-career researchers interested in ecology, animal behaviour, conservation, or bioacoustics. Ideal Candidates Applications welcome from individuals who: * Have an interest in wildlife, ecology, or animal behaviour * Are reliable and willing to learn new skills * Are comfortable working both independently and as part of a research team * Are keen to gain hands-on research experience Benefits * Practical experience in ecological and acoustic research * One-to-one mentoring within a PhD research project * Opportunity to develop skills relevant to postgraduate study or research careers * Flexible involvement tailored to your availability and interests Time Expectation Approximately 280 hours spread over four months, equating to around two 7-hour days per week. This is flexible and can be more or less to suit individual requirements. If you are interested in gaining research experience while contributing to an exciting project on urban wildlife and animal communication, please email Robert at rra1(a)stir.ac.uk Robert Aitchison PhD student Psychology, University of Stirling ------------------------------- 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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Fw: Conference to share with BERG mailing list
by Pawel Fedurek 27 Jan '26

27 Jan '26

FYI ________________________________ From: Alice Turner <alice.turner(a)stir.ac.uk> Sent: 26 January 2026 13:37 To: Pawel Fedurek <pawel.fedurek(a)stir.ac.uk> Cc: Clare Andrews <clare.andrews(a)stir.ac.uk> Subject: Conference to share with BERG mailing list Hi Pawel (cc Clare), Hope you're well! I wondered if it's possible to share an upcoming conference via the BERG mailing list. It's a really enjoyable event and we're keen to reach as many students as possible. Scotland's Nature Student Conference<https://scotnsconference.wixsite.com/2026> is being organised by a small group of PhD students in conjunction with NatureScot. The event will take place at the University of Stirling on 3rd and 4th March 2026 and this year's theme is: 'People and Planet: Innovation and resilience in a changing world'. The conference is open to students of any level and is a great opportunity to present a talk or a poster, or simply attend. Anyone interested should register their attendance using this form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScObli0wbSPGdhwaeECjpmK3RPQhcdR6nq…> by 11th Feb. Best wishes, Alice ________________________________ 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 (Weds Jan 28th) by Roxanne Hawkins
by Clare Andrews 22 Jan '26

22 Jan '26

Dear SHAIRers and BERGers, Here are details of the talk next week (Teams link is below): [cid:b0f8bd96-3afc-4d2d-aa08-f776284a42e4] The Complex Interplay between the Human-Animal Bond, Perinatal Mental Health, and Companion Animal Welfare Dr Roxanne Hawkins, University of Edinburgh Wednesday 28 January 2026, 4-5pm Psychology Common Room ‘watch party’ (C.3A94) or via Teams<https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/3816460052135?p=xsEIefROgXSXlZHxc0> Abstract The perinatal period, which includes pregnancy and up to a child’s first year of life, is a known significant transitional time for a family, and new mothers have a heightened risk for developing mental health difficulties. Pets can offer protective benefits by enhancing coping and resilience, yet wellbeing benefits perinatally remain unresearched. There’s also a lack of investigation into pet welfare during the perinatal period, despite the likelihood of pets being affected by perinatal changes. This study used qualitative reports from new and expecting mothers with dogs and/or cats to explore the interplay between the human–pet bond, maternal mental health, and pet welfare. Findings highlight shifts in human–pet bonds, the nature of human-pet interactions, changes in pet behaviour, pet aversion, unsafe baby–pet interactions, and the impact of shifting priorities on pet wellbeing and relinquishment. In this talk, I will share these findings with a focus on parents’ support needs around companion animals, and discuss how tailored resources and interventions can both safeguard pet welfare and promote maternal mental health during this important transitional life stage. ________________________________ 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 research seminars resuming next week (Wednesday, 4pm)
by Pawel Fedurek 21 Jan '26

21 Jan '26

Dear BERGers, Happy New Year! This is just to let you know that we are resuming our research seminars next week (Wednesday 28 January, 4pm), with our first speaker being Dr Roxanne Hawkins from the University of Edinburgh (more details on the seminar shortly). Spring semester seminars: Date Speaker Affiliation Talk title Chair Format 28-Jan-26 Roxanne Hawkins University of Edinburgh TBC. Pets and perinatal wellbeing Clare TBC 4-Feb-26 Berta Roura-Torres Georg-August University Göttingen Early life adversity predicts physical development in young mandrills Pawel Online 11-Feb-26 Dylan Feldmeier University of Oxford TBC. Human-wildlife conflict Pawel Online 18-Feb-26 TBC 25-Feb-26 Floriane Fournier Université Jean Monnet TBC. Nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos Pawel Online 4-Mar-26 MID SEMESTER BREAK No seminar 11-Mar-26 IMPACT meeting Impact research catch up Pawel F2F 18-Mar-26 Robert Aitchison University of Stirling TBC. Carrion crow vocal behaviour Pawel F2F/hybrid 25-Mar-26 Janie Fink University of St Andrews; University of California Davis TBC. Comparative cognition, bee cognition Pawel F2F/hybrid 1-Apr-26 Maleen Thiele Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology TBC Alex Online 8-Apr-26 Stephan Kaufhold Univesity of California, San Diego TBC Alex Online 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>> 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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Funded PhD
by Pawel Fedurek 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

FYI: Fully funded PhD project available at Nottingham Trent University. Linked to a BBSRC funded grant, this project will investigate how primates perceive and respond to infants, combining cutting-edge cognitive testing with behavioural data. The findings will be used to develop non-invasive tools that can predict how individuals will interact with infants, ultimately informing breeding management and enhancing welfare standards in captive colonies. The project will also help us understand the fundamental mechanisms underpinning individual differences in parenting. (Note: open to UK students only). For informal enquiries contact Dr Yuri Kawaguchi (see below link to advert). Deadline 2nd February 2026 for an April start. https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/postgraduate/phd/phd-opportunities/… ________________________________ 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/SHAIR meeting this week
by Pawel Fedurek 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Dear All, There is no meeting this week. We are meeting again next year on the 28th of January - Dr Roxanne Hawkins will be giving a seminar about pets and perinatal wellbeing. Have a great break everyone! Spring semester BERG seminars: Date Speaker Affiliation Talk title Chair 28-Jan-26 Roxanne Hawkins University of Edinburgh TBC pets and perinatal wellbeing Clare 04-Feb-26 Berta Roura-Torres Georg-August University Göttingen Early life adversity predicts physical development in young mandrills Pawel 11-Feb-26 Dylan Feldmeier University of Oxford TBC human-animal conflict Pawel 18-Feb-26 TBC 25-Feb-26 Floriane Fournier Université Jean Monnet "tbc: The role of nonlinear phenomena in vocal emotional expression and perception in bonobos " Pawel 04-Mar-26 MID SEMESTER BREAK 11-Mar-26 IMPACT meeting 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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