PhD in Collective Animal Behaviour and Complex Systems Across Vertebrates Swansea University in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity focuses on the mechanisms and origins of collective animal behaviour across vertebrate species, including fish, birds, and mammals. Hosted at Swansea University and supervised by a team of experts in animal behaviour, evolutionary ecology, and computational biology, the project aims to uncover general principles underlying collective movement and self-organization in animal groups. The research will utilize interdisciplinary approaches, combining behavioural data, agent-based models, and evolutionary perspectives to address fundamental questions about how and why animals move together.

The student will apply the swaRmverse framework to analyze large-scale datasets, identify collective movement events, and use factor analysis to compare movement patterns within and across species. Mechanistic modelling will be employed to explore the rules of interaction and test whether different forms of collective movement arise from shared or divergent interaction rules. The project also investigates evolutionary and ecological drivers using phylogenetic comparative methods, testing adaptive and non-adaptive hypotheses related to collective movement.

Training will be provided in state-of-the-art analytical techniques and professional development within a collaborative and supportive research environment. The supervisory team includes Andrew King (lead supervisor, Swansea University), Natalie Cooper (Natural History Museum), William Allen (Swansea University), Ines Fürtbauer (Swansea University), and Marina Papadopoulou (Max Planck Institute for Human Development). The student will benefit from access to a global network of scientists and unique datasets on animal collective movement.

Eligibility requires a first or upper second class degree in biological sciences or a related discipline, with consideration for candidates with relevant research experience or strong performance at the Master's level. International students are eligible, as the difference between Home and international fees will be covered. The application deadline is 12 January 2026, and applications should be submitted via the Good Grants portal. This project is ideal for candidates interested in collective behaviour, complex systems, agent-based modelling, and evolutionary ecology, with potential impact on wildlife conservation and bio-inspired technologies.