Understanding social dynamics of humans and nonhuman animals using cutting-edge tracking technologies and comparative cognitive approach

Supervisor: Kano Fumihiro, University of Konstanz

November 22, 2021

Kano's research group aims to understand dynamics of social interaction in both humans and nonhuman animals using cutting-edge tracking technologies including large motion-capture systems (the Imaging Barn/Hangar), gaze-tracking (wearable eye-trackers) and computer vision techniques (multi-array cameras and drone). More specifically, our goal is to identify key interactive components among individuals, as well as key cognitive and emotional traits of individuals, that lead to successful synchronization and joint action of a collective. To achieve this, we rely on cutting-edge technologies to track fine details of postures and eye/head directions of animals/humans during social interactions, and comparative cognitive approach to gain insight into their mental processes. My group will work with multiple species, including birds (pigeons and crows), primates (great apes and monkeys), and human adults and target various collective behaviour, including team cooperation (in humans), vigilance (in pigeons), and collective foraging (in all animals). A series of these studies will lead to quantitative understanding about dynamics of social interaction in naturalistic real-life social interaction across species and establishment of posture-tracking methods across species (not only model species) and across behavioural contexts (not only under controlled lab conditions).

The University of Konstanz and the Max Planck Society are equal opportunity employers that are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. They seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply  (Equal opportunity). Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply.

They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact +49 7531 88 4016).

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