Mammalian vocal communication as a model for human language; from genes and brains to behaviour

Our ability to communicate via spoken language requires a complex skill set built upon cognitive and physiological processes. I aim to discover the biological bases of language related skills and understand how they unite to create the sophisticated social communication system that is language. Bats present a unique opportunity to shed light on these issues because they are an extraordinary group of animals with intricate social structures and communication abilities. They feature speech and language relevant traits such as vocal learning - the ability to learn new vocalisations, a crucial component of how we learn to speak. However this potential has rarely been exploited. My goal is to use bat models to understand the biological encoding of social-vocal communication abilities. By comparing these findings with other mammals and with humans, it will be possible to shed light on mechanisms by which human language evolved.

Specifically, I will explore the behavioural abilities that bats have to learn new vocalisations in a social context, and compare this with other vocal learning mammals (e.g. seals, dolphins). I will investigate the neurobiological, genetic, and genomic factors contributing to these abilities. And I will integrate findings from human language disorder studies to identify parallels between the mechanisms that allow these social-vocal communicative behaviours in bats and other mammals, to those that underscore human language abilities and evolution.

The fellowship will study vocal learning in bats, using leading-edge techniques to drive understanding of the genomics, genetics, neurobiology and behaviour of this trait. This will provide the first model for studying the neurobiology and genetics of language relevant traits in a non-human mammal. This new approach will ultimately shed light on the biological underpinnings of human speech and language and associated disorders, and resolve unanswered questions about how speech and language may have evolved.

Goal 1. Foster partnerships for knowledge exchange with industry/technology development. Beneficiaries: Industry/technology partners.
Being at the forefront of genomic sequencing with the Bat1K consortium, I will work with Industrial/technology development partners to exchange knowledge about the implementation and utilization of their rapidly developing genomic technologies. As 'super users' of these technologies, we will provide feedback throughout the fellowship about what works well and what is problematic about the technology and help them focus their improvement and development efforts to improve the technology hardware and software that is available. This has knock-on effects to accelerate technology development as well as industry and research output.

Goal 2. Engage and encourage the next generation of scientists, particularly minority and disadvantaged students. Beneficiaries: Students
Education of the next generation of scientists, as well as promoting equality in science is a high priority. These activities engage with student education and actively encourage students from minorities or less advantaged backgrounds to interact with ongoing research and understand the reality of being a scientist. Giving hands on experience with scientific research can demystify science as a higher education option or career path, therefore increasing opportunities for minority or disadvantaged students to succeed.

Goal 3. Increase the public understanding of science, promote conservation of bats, and involve patient groups. Beneficiaries: Charitable partners, museums, general public, students, patient groups.
Bats are fascinating creatures with special skills such as being able to 'see in the dark' via echolocation, living to extraordinarily old ages, and avoiding otherwise deadly diseases like ebola. Furthermore, bats are vital to our ecosystems and crops as they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and consume harmful insect pests. The goal will be to work with museums, galleries and local artists to generate exhibitions and installations that engage different audiences to learn about bats. By working with charitable partners such as bat conservation charities, local artists, students and patient groups (children with speech/language disorders, autism, etc., given bats relevance for human language, and blindness given their ability to navigate via sound) we will facilitate community driven exhibitions and installations. These activities will benefit the general public and students by teaching them about the special features of bats and their protection, and will benefit UK agriculture and ecosystems by encouraging bat conservation. They will benefit patient groups by finding new ways to engage patients and families. These exhibitions will also benefit museums, local artists and conservation organisations by bringing new audiences to them.

In addition to these activities, we will actively engage with conservation groups to help them make use of the genomic resources we generate for conservation efforts, and with the media to promote our work and bats via print, web, radio and television.