Research Overview

My research focuses on the phenomenon ‘collective intelligence,’ the ability of groups to make better decisions than individuals. Although collective intelligence has been the subject of scientific study for over a century, we still know little the circumstances under which animals achieve higher (or indeed worse) cognitive abilities by pooling information in nature. We investigate this question using homing pigeons and acorn ants as model organisms. To understand ‘how’ collective intelligence emerges, we often develop mathematical models and computer simulations based on rich empirical data, thanks to cutting-edge GPS devices and high resolution video cameras. Our research ultimately tackles the longstanding question: why some animals make decisions as a group and some don’t. 

Research Interests

• Collective animal behavior
• Collective learning
• Animal cognition
• Animal culture