Vollantrag zu Cognition and Communication

The University of Vienna is rapidly becoming one of the leading centres for the study of cognition from an integrated biological viewpoint. In contrast to the currently-dominant approach of evolutionary psychologists, cognitive biology seeks to understand cognition, communication and behaviour in human and other animals, from both proximate (mechanistic and developmental) and ultimate (phylogenetic and adaptive) perspectives, with a strong emphasis on experimental comparisons of multiple species (the comparative method). Although already internationally-recognized for cutting edge research, and well established in teaching at the undergraduate and Master levels, our group currently lacks a well-developed PhD training program. The purpose of this DK Proposal is to integrate our existing strengths in research and teaching into new PhD-level teaching and training opportunities, thus creating a world-class centre for training the next generation of PhD students in cognitive biology. We will prepare our students to excel in this competitive and highly interdisciplinary research area by focusing on rigorous experimental research within a broad theoretical framework, grounded in evolutionary theory and the comparative method. PhD students in our program will be trained in both field and laboratory research, experimental design, and the use of the comparative method to address focused questions concerning neural, endocrine and behavioural mechanisms and their ontogeny from an evolutionary perspective. Encompassed by the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, and focused on the new Department of Cognitive Biology, the training program will begin with five internationally-recognized researchers (Bugnyar, Fitch, Hödl, Huber and Kortrschal), but is expected to expand during the period of funding to about twice that number by incorporating "rising stars" from the current Vienna cognitive research scene. Strong connection already exist with other Viennese institutions (especially Zoo Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine), and with other disciplines within the University of Vienna (e.g., philosophy, psychology and linguistics, via the cognitive science Masters program); equally strong connections with multiple international research centres will also provide excellent exchange and post-doc opportunities for our PhD students. The DK proposal, if funded, would round out an already vibrant and well-equipped research centre, increase the international attractiveness of our group to the best and brightest young PhD students, and place Vienna at the centre of this new biological and evolutionary approach to understanding cognition.