Integrative Behavioural Biology

Our main research interest is the integrative study of social behaviour, which combines the study of proximate causes (gene modules, hormones, neural circuits, cognitive processes) and ultimate effects (evolutionary consequences). In particular we aim to understand how brain and behaviour can be shaped by social environment, and how the cognitive, neural and genetic mechanisms underlying plasticity in the expression of social behaviour have evolved. Current research questions centre on four topics: 1. Evolution of social cognition and of its neuromolecular mechanisms – we aim to understand if social plasticity is as an organismal performance trait that impacts Darwinian fitness and may itself be subject to selection; 2. Genomic and epigenomic mechanisms of social plasticity – we seek to understand how the same genome can produce different social phenotypes in response to key social cues in the environment; 3. Neuroendocrinology of social interactions and of social plasticity – this research aims to understand the role of hormones and neuropeptides as neuromodulators involved in the plasticity of social behaviour; 4. Fish cognition and welfare – we aim to use our knowledge in this field to improve fish husbandry and handling procedures towards better research and animal welfare.