Molecular approaches for the study of social behaviour

Social behaviour has been a fascinating topic of research for long time as it encompasses some of the best examples of complex behavioural interactions in the animal kingdom. Understanding how social behaviour is regulated at the genetic level is challenging though, as this normally involves the development of complex experimental designs. In this talk I will explain how we can use the neurogenomic approach (or the functional analysis of all genes in the brain of an organism) to characterize the molecular underpinning of key social behaviours in insects. I will present three case studies that summarize my main research interests for the past ten years: 1) the role of social environment during colony founding in fire ants; 2) parasitic manipulation of social behaviour in paper wasp; and 3) the regulation of the waggle dance communication in honeybees. I will also illustrate how I would like to expand my future research at the University of Aberdeen, by applying neurogenomic tools to the conservation of endangered species on one side, and to the mitigation of threats posed by invasive pests on the other side.

The seminar will be hosted using Zoom. A Google calendar invite featuring the Zoom link will be sent to Biology staff and students before the seminar date. For all enquiries please contact Biology DMT Hub.