PhD Studentship in Animal Behaviour, Evolutionary Ecology, and Computational Biology: Mechanisms and Origins of Vertebrate Collective Movement Swansea University in United Kingdom

The MOVE PhD studentship at Swansea University, fully funded by CROCUS, offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the mechanisms and origins of vertebrate collective movement. This interdisciplinary project focuses on the collective movement of fish schools, bird flocks, and mammal groups, aiming to uncover general principles that explain how and why animals move together. The research will integrate behavioural data, mechanistic models, and evolutionary perspectives to address two major challenges: determining whether collective behaviour dynamics share common mechanisms across species, and integrating functional explanations with emergent properties of collective systems.

The project objectives include applying the swaRmverse framework to study variation in collective movements across species, developing agent-based models to explore interaction rules, and investigating evolutionary and ecological drivers using phylogenetic comparative methods. The findings will advance fundamental theories of social behaviour and evolution, inform wildlife conservation strategies, and inspire bio-inspired swarm technologies.

The supervisory team comprises world-leading experts: Professor Andrew King (animal behaviour, Swansea University), Dr Natalie Cooper (evolutionary ecology, Natural History Museum), Dr William Allen (evolutionary ecology, Swansea University), Dr Ines Fürtbauer (animal behaviour, Swansea University), and Dr Marina Papadopoulou (computational biology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development). The student will benefit from a global network of collaborators and unique training in analytical approaches, professional development, and outreach opportunities.

Applicants should have a degree in biological sciences or related disciplines, strong quantitative skills, and a keen interest in animal behaviour and evolution. The studentship includes a stipend, tuition fees, and support for placements and training. The application deadline is 12 January 2026. For more information, visit the project and CROCUS websites or contact the lead supervisor.