ORA (Round 5). Production and perception of expressions of emotions in humans and their closest relatives
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
Ever since Charles Darwin's explored the origins of human emotion in his seminal book "The expression of the emotions in man and animals", understanding human emotion has been a topic of intense interest for social scientists and biologists alike. Humans are extraordinarily skilled in expressing, recognising and sharing emotional states, something which has enabled our species to engage in remarkably varied and sophisticated social interactions. Nevertheless, despite the importance of emotion expressions for our species, we still know very little about how these expressions evolved and to what extent we find similarities and differences across human cultures. In this project, we address these issues by conducting the first directly comparative investigation into the evolutionary and cross-cultural origins of human expressions of emotion. Our investigation will focus on how humans both produce and perceive expressions of emotions and how these compare both across different cultures and in comparison to our closest living relatives, the bonobo apes. By comparing human emotional expressions across cultures and species, this project provides a truly exciting opportunity to investigate how humans communicate their emotions and how this could have evolved.
Compared to other animals, humans have evolved particularly communicative faces to both express our emotional states as well as having evolved special cognitive skills to detect the emotions of others. Certain parts of the face which express emotions have become enlarged and exaggerated in humans. For example, the whites of our eyes, which enable us to communicate our emotions and eye movements, are much larger than in other species. The colour of our lips and size of our eye-brows are also accentuated to make them stand out. Using such signals, it is thought that humans express emotions in two main ways. First, through explicit emotional signals which can be produced consciously and intentionally, such as smiling and frowning. Second, through subtler cues, such as pupil dilation or blushing, which not be under conscious control. Currently, it remains unknown whether humans mainly express their emotions through conscious signals or unconscious cues nor whether we can distinguish between these two types of emotional expressions when observing them. In the current project, we will address these questions by comparing how human produce and perceive these different types of expressions both within naturalistic settings as well as in behavioural experiments. We will combine behavioural observations with number of exciting innovative techniques- including thermal-imaging, touch-screen experiments and eye-tracking technologies, to establish new non-invasive ways of investigating the basis of human emotional experience.
In order to understand whether or not such expressions are uniquely human and shared across different cultures, we will directly compare the capacities of humans living in 5 different in similar ways as well as those of our relatives, the bonobos. As our closest living relatives, bonobos provide an ideal opportunity to build a picture of our last common ancestor as well as to identify the evolutionary basis of the skills we see in humans today. Compared to chimpanzees, bonobos show higher emotional sensitivity and attention towards expressions of emotions, so represent particularly good models for retracing the steps of of our capacities.
Combining novel techniques for a cross- species and cross-cultural investigations, this project offers an evolutionarily-grounded approach to the origins of human emotion. Collaborating across nations, we build on our complementary strengths and expertise to develop an innovative line of research set out in a broad international context.
Compared to other animals, humans have evolved particularly communicative faces to both express our emotional states as well as having evolved special cognitive skills to detect the emotions of others. Certain parts of the face which express emotions have become enlarged and exaggerated in humans. For example, the whites of our eyes, which enable us to communicate our emotions and eye movements, are much larger than in other species. The colour of our lips and size of our eye-brows are also accentuated to make them stand out. Using such signals, it is thought that humans express emotions in two main ways. First, through explicit emotional signals which can be produced consciously and intentionally, such as smiling and frowning. Second, through subtler cues, such as pupil dilation or blushing, which not be under conscious control. Currently, it remains unknown whether humans mainly express their emotions through conscious signals or unconscious cues nor whether we can distinguish between these two types of emotional expressions when observing them. In the current project, we will address these questions by comparing how human produce and perceive these different types of expressions both within naturalistic settings as well as in behavioural experiments. We will combine behavioural observations with number of exciting innovative techniques- including thermal-imaging, touch-screen experiments and eye-tracking technologies, to establish new non-invasive ways of investigating the basis of human emotional experience.
In order to understand whether or not such expressions are uniquely human and shared across different cultures, we will directly compare the capacities of humans living in 5 different in similar ways as well as those of our relatives, the bonobos. As our closest living relatives, bonobos provide an ideal opportunity to build a picture of our last common ancestor as well as to identify the evolutionary basis of the skills we see in humans today. Compared to chimpanzees, bonobos show higher emotional sensitivity and attention towards expressions of emotions, so represent particularly good models for retracing the steps of of our capacities.
Combining novel techniques for a cross- species and cross-cultural investigations, this project offers an evolutionarily-grounded approach to the origins of human emotion. Collaborating across nations, we build on our complementary strengths and expertise to develop an innovative line of research set out in a broad international context.
Planned Impact
In addition to the benefits to academic beneficiaries described above, this collaborative project has several levels of societal and individual impact and dissemination
1.Understanding mental health
Given the impact of our emotions on a wide range of mental processes and manifest behaviors, being able to recognize and regulate our emotions is crucial to healthy mental functioning. Our research on emotion production and perception thus has far reaching application to mental health research and policy, which includes for detecting the emotion processing capacities of typical and atypical human populations. Likewise, our methods can have application for developmental disorders, including Autism and psychopathologies. Understanding the mechanisms underlying emotion recognition will help better understand the motives behind clinically observable deficits. Understanding the fundamentals of emotion expressions will help to better understand the emotion deficits in clinical disorders.
Deliverables: 1.Inter-disciplinary research symposium to communicate findings to academics, health practitioners and policy makers and receive feedback about the kind of applied research that they would like to follow. Publish summary report on project website 2. Online publication of materials, data sets and research papers
2. Public policy- human social functioning and animal welfare
Our project seeks to identify the underlying commonalities and divergences in human emotion processing as compared to that of animals, which might impact on public policy. This includes establishing novel means to non-invasively assess animal welfare, something which can be used to improve guidelines for using animals in research/ agriculture industry. The use of infra-red thermal imagery has already attracted interest in the welfare sciences and our application can have particular relevance for zoo husbandry related. Our findings might also have applications for public policies relating to improving social support towards individuals with socioemotional disorders and those with socioemotional/communicative difficulties within educational contexts.
Impact deliverables: 1. Membership of the Animal Welfare Research Network and dissemination of our welfare-implicated research at their annual AWERN conference and participation in regional satellite workshops. (The PI has already attended a workshop on application of thermal-imagery research) 2. Online publication of materials, data sets and research papers. 3. Meetings and dissemination with policy makers by presenting our research to local welfare/agricultural stakeholders and social support workers.
3.Awareness-building of the General public
Both PIs collaborate with Zoos and science museums in the UK (Birmingham Think Tank Museum, Twycross Zoo) and the Netherlands (Apenheul Zoo) and will use our extensive extensive in public engagement with science to promote awareness-building and rich dissemination to the general public.
Impact deliverables: Dissemination via research presentations; outreach days, visitors taking part in experiments, social media and media dissemination, participation in regional and national science fairs and public events/community groups. Clay will disseminates the research at the Natural History Museum in London and other Zoos. In Apenheul, we have the opportunity for direct visitor engagement by presenting the study on an interactive touchscreen such that visitors can learn about our research. The zoo has offered us their location to organize a public symposium.
Stake-holder benefits
Our national stake-holders in the host countries - DR Congo and Rwanda will benefit through reimbursement of research participation; engagement of local assistants, support of educational materials, investment in local community projects which are encompassed in fixed field research fees as well as active dissemination activities including school and community visits and video project
1.Understanding mental health
Given the impact of our emotions on a wide range of mental processes and manifest behaviors, being able to recognize and regulate our emotions is crucial to healthy mental functioning. Our research on emotion production and perception thus has far reaching application to mental health research and policy, which includes for detecting the emotion processing capacities of typical and atypical human populations. Likewise, our methods can have application for developmental disorders, including Autism and psychopathologies. Understanding the mechanisms underlying emotion recognition will help better understand the motives behind clinically observable deficits. Understanding the fundamentals of emotion expressions will help to better understand the emotion deficits in clinical disorders.
Deliverables: 1.Inter-disciplinary research symposium to communicate findings to academics, health practitioners and policy makers and receive feedback about the kind of applied research that they would like to follow. Publish summary report on project website 2. Online publication of materials, data sets and research papers
2. Public policy- human social functioning and animal welfare
Our project seeks to identify the underlying commonalities and divergences in human emotion processing as compared to that of animals, which might impact on public policy. This includes establishing novel means to non-invasively assess animal welfare, something which can be used to improve guidelines for using animals in research/ agriculture industry. The use of infra-red thermal imagery has already attracted interest in the welfare sciences and our application can have particular relevance for zoo husbandry related. Our findings might also have applications for public policies relating to improving social support towards individuals with socioemotional disorders and those with socioemotional/communicative difficulties within educational contexts.
Impact deliverables: 1. Membership of the Animal Welfare Research Network and dissemination of our welfare-implicated research at their annual AWERN conference and participation in regional satellite workshops. (The PI has already attended a workshop on application of thermal-imagery research) 2. Online publication of materials, data sets and research papers. 3. Meetings and dissemination with policy makers by presenting our research to local welfare/agricultural stakeholders and social support workers.
3.Awareness-building of the General public
Both PIs collaborate with Zoos and science museums in the UK (Birmingham Think Tank Museum, Twycross Zoo) and the Netherlands (Apenheul Zoo) and will use our extensive extensive in public engagement with science to promote awareness-building and rich dissemination to the general public.
Impact deliverables: Dissemination via research presentations; outreach days, visitors taking part in experiments, social media and media dissemination, participation in regional and national science fairs and public events/community groups. Clay will disseminates the research at the Natural History Museum in London and other Zoos. In Apenheul, we have the opportunity for direct visitor engagement by presenting the study on an interactive touchscreen such that visitors can learn about our research. The zoo has offered us their location to organize a public symposium.
Stake-holder benefits
Our national stake-holders in the host countries - DR Congo and Rwanda will benefit through reimbursement of research participation; engagement of local assistants, support of educational materials, investment in local community projects which are encompassed in fixed field research fees as well as active dissemination activities including school and community visits and video project
Organisations
- Durham University (Lead Research Organisation)
- Leiden University (Collaboration)
- Canisius College (Collaboration)
- University of Neuchâtel (Collaboration)
- National University of Samoa (Collaboration)
- Lola ya Bonobo (Collaboration)
- Utrecht University (Collaboration)
- Valley of the Monkeys (Collaboration)
- DURHAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- University of Antwerp (Collaboration)
- University of Osnabrück (Collaboration)
- Planckendael Zoo (Collaboration)
- Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (Collaboration)
- Basel Zoo (Collaboration)
Publications
Demuru E
(2022)
What makes us apes? The emotional building blocks of intersubjectivity in hominids
in Ethology Ecology & Evolution
Dukes D
(2021)
The rise of affectivism.
in Nature human behaviour
Heesen R
(2021)
Primate Cognitive Studies
Heesen R
(2022)
Flexible signalling strategies by victims mediate post-conflict interactions in bonobos.
in Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences
Kim Y
(2022)
The Association Between the Bared-Teeth Display and Social Dominance in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).
in Affective science
Kret M
(2020)
Emotional expressions in human and non-human great apes
in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Vlaeyen, J. M. R.
(2022)
Bared-teeth displays in bonobos (Pan paniscus): An assessment of the power asymmetry hypothesis
in American Journal of Primatology
| Description | 1. Findings of this project have been used to promote engagement and improve understanding by children and the general public about great apes, ape emotional expressions and its relation to ape conservation. we have run multiple impact engagement events using science theatre and engagement, where children and families have learned to 'feel your inner ape'. Using findings from our research, we have provided impact participants (schools, children and families) spaces and guidance to enact the behaviours and emotions of apes in a science theatre activity, which has transformed knowledge about ape emotional lives, sentience and conservation. Also impacts on consumer choices, wherby ape 'smiles' are often misconstrued as happy faces and used on greeting cards, despite actually being fear grimaces. all workshop and event participants have reported changing their consumer preferences after the workshops to no longer buy/support such cards, and instead to raise awareness of ape sentience and conservation. 2. Improvment of welfare and behaviour of bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary: The combination of research expertise and findings derived from this project, has led the the PI for this project - Dr Zanna Clay- to be elected as a scientific consultant/advisor to the worlds only bonobo sanctuary, Lola ya Bonobo in the DR Congo (which had been a primary research location had COVID not occured ). Findings from this research, particularly in relation to great ape emotion, communication and cooperation have enhanced education/knowledfge among the local taskforce about great ape behaviour, which has contributed to improved ethical standards and behavioural management, local capacity building and management decisions for the sanctuary. Improved understanding of great ape behaviour and communication, derived from the project, which has also improved release planning, bonobo reintroduction candidate selection and management decisions surrounding the reintroduction which has in turn further improved the environmental and conservation impacts of the project and as well as promoting effective solutions to societal problems related to conservation and sustainability. The PI has enhanced local capacity by providing community and workforce training on bonobo behaviour and emotionality derived from the research which has enhanced educational skill level of the workforce. Through dissemination with local communities, it has also enhanced public understanding about bonobo emotionality and behaviour which promotes their conservation engagement. 2.New methods to understand pain: through this project, we engage with skills building and knowledge sharing to developing a impact based project to provide new approaches to investigate emotional experiences of physically challenged individuals, including hospitalised patients in intensive care. These patient may be unconcious/ unable to speak but experience traumatic emotional experiences, including emotional distress and delirium. Through the integration of the technological advances we have brought to Durham using infra-red thermal imaging, our project provides novel opportunities to study patient's inner experiences using the non-invasive techniques of infra-red thermal-imaging. In our main project, we use infra-red thermal imaging to measure the production and perception of emotional expressions in the face. For this impact project, we are now collaborating with a leading pain specialist in Durham University, and local hospitals to establish this as a techniques to examine emotional responses of patients in ICU. Currently this project has been delayed due to COVID but will be resumed. Through better detecting emotional experiences we can use this technique to detect and respond to emotional responses of patients. We have also initiated a collaboration with an Artist In Residence at a local Hospital to explore the use of art as therapy within hospital settings- although this has been put on hold during COVID. This is a new project with potential impact to improve wellbeing of hospitalised patients in clinical environments. 3. Enhanced artistic engagement to understand animal emotions and the evolution of emotional expression. Our findings have contributed to a professional dancer developing a new piece to explore emotional expressions in animals, in particular bonobos- the artist engaged directlly with findinga from our project to expand her artistic perfomance about primate communication and expression 4. Improved public education about bonobo conservation and education,. I advised on the development of new and improved public signage at the new bonobo exhibit at Twycross Zoo related to bonobo conservation, communication and behaviour; with signs used to increase environmental and educational impact of new bonobo enclosure. The Research Officer at Twycross Zoo reported that my input has increased efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, as well as enhancing public engagement to improving environmental sustainability/conservation |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Environment,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Other |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |
| Description | Advised on signage at new bonobo exhibit at Twycross Zoo to improve understanding of bonobo conservation, communication and behaviour |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or Improved professional practice |
| Impact | Advised on the development of new and improved public signage at the new bonobo exhibit at Twycross Zoo, (related to bonobo conservation, communication and behaviour); I took role as Scientific Consultant for enhancing pubic engagement actions at the Zoo, with signs used to increase environmental and educational impact of new bonobo enclosure. The Research Officer at Twycross Zoo reported that my inout on the signs has increased efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery, as well as enhancing public engagement to improving environmental sustainability/conservation |
| Description | Elected as Convenor of the Research Sub-Committee of the Primate Society of Great Britain |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | I was elected as the Convenor of the Research Sub-Committee of the Primate Society of Great Britain- thanks to my demonstrated experience in attaining grant funding in primatology, including in comparative affective research and specifically related to the findings from this research on great ape emotion and behaviour. I lead a Research Committee which assess/recommend research grants for PSGB funding and enhance the research capacity of the Primate Society of Great Britain to ensure scientific excellence in the field. |
| URL | http://www.psgb.org/research.php |
| Description | Providing training/educational developments for postgraduates/research users |
| Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | The expertise and findings within this project has significantly contributed to advancing the skills, expertise and education of postgraduates/research users within the Departments of Psychology at Durham University. The PI and the PDRA on the project have provided extensive training, supervision and mentorship of 7 postgraduates of comparative affective science on relevant methodological and theoretical advances including bespoke training in advanced statistics, innovative research techniques, data programming and scientific writing. The PI and PDRA have led team activities related to enhancing educational capacity of researchers, including leading regular Lab Meetings to disseminate findings, provide training, feedback and aupport to researchers. The PI and PDRA have provided relevant educational training to postgraduates, based on the contents and methods of this project where skills and expertise as well as study findings have contributed to enhanced research capacity. We have also included postgraduate researchers on establishment of research publications from the project to enhance its educational impact |
| Description | The PI has been appointed lead scientific consultant/advisor to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary where findings from this research have informed on practise to improve behavioural management as well as promoting cultural heritage of Congo's natural environment related to conservation |
| Geographic Reach | Africa |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Findings and expertise derived from this project have led to myself, the PI, being elected as Lead Scientific Consultant to Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, where we do our research. Findings from this research have informed on local decisions and behavioural management policies of the Sanctuary and its associated reintroduction programme. I have contributes scientific consultancy to local teams to improve the great ape release programme in the DR Congo as well providing scientific training to local workforce for behavioural management of bonobos living at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary. My participation meant that dissemination of the findings has contributed to improved candidate selection and management decisions surrounding the reintroduction which has improved the environmental and conservation impacts of the project and as well as promoting effective solutions to societal problems related to conservation and sustanability. These also include providing community training on bonobo behaviour and emotionality which has enhanced public understanding as well as enhancing the training and educational skill level of the workforce, as such knowledge and training can improve their capacity for behavioural management of the great apes within the sanctuary and reintroduction programme. |
| Description | Business Case for Pipeline funding to purchase 2 additional Tobii pro eyetrackers |
| Amount | £31,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Durham University |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2022 |
| End | 03/2022 |
| Description | Social structure as a form of collective intelligence: Investigating the basis of individual and collective intelligence in our closest living relatives" |
| Amount | $233,962 (USD) |
| Funding ID | TWCF-2022-30060 |
| Organisation | Templeton World Charity Foundation |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Bahamas |
| Start | 12/2022 |
| End | 12/2025 |
| Title | Developed new expertise and capacity to measure heart rate and electrodermal activity using BioPac and psycho-physiological techniques with humans |
| Description | Developed new expertise and capacity to measure heart rate and electrodermal activity using BioPac and psycho-physiological techniques with humans |
| Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Offers capacity for the research team/group to establish new psycho-physiogical techniques to study emotion processes in humans |
| Title | Established eyetracking methodology for non-invasive comparative research with captive great apes |
| Description | Gained relevant training in non-invasive eyetracking techniques and associated programming which resulting in improved research infrastructure at Basel Zoo and La Vallee des Singes by establishing eyetracking methodologies in the great ape houses. This includes setting up eyetracking paradigms, leading on relevant modifications of enclosure design to enhance research capacity, providing relevant training to great apes to enable them to participate in eyetracking research and associated relevant training to staff. Significantly contributes to research capacity of the Zoos, a core benefit-sharing deliverable as well as improving opportunities for non-invasive research with great apes |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Enhances ethical research with great apes by promoting and providing non-invasive techniques to study social processes. It also enhances research capacity of the Zoo which can attract further researchers and research funding to conduct research at the site, as well as enhance scientific advancements, promote public engagement with science as the research can be visible to the public (when zoos reopen). Training has been provided to both staff and great ape participants to enable this facility to offer eytracking to other teams, with tools, infrastructure modifications now in place to support future research, |
| Title | Established novel application to OpenFace software to non-invasively study great ape emotional expressions |
| Description | In a collaboration with University of `Neuchael, my team established a novel analysis technology via the use of OpenFace open-ware software to systematically investigate emotional expressions in humans and great apes. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | This project provides a proof of concept for the application of free open-source software, OpenFace to invesigate facial expression production in humans and great apes, it has wide application value to broad domains for establishing non-invasve and contact.free methods to measure facial morphology |
| Title | Infra-red thermal imaging to examine emotional experiences of humans and non-human animals |
| Description | We have established use of an innovative novel technology at Durham University- the use of infra-red thermal technology to measure emotional responses in human and non-human animals. Awareness of this technology within the Durham region was lacking before we established it as a method, we have provided training to other research groups within the University including Pain research Specialist and researchers Medical Humanities who would like to use this method. We have dissseminated our knowledge of this new technique within Durham University and provided training opportunities to staff and students. we are currently writing a paper on the method to disseminate to a broad audience We will make the equipment we have available for future collaborations to facilitate intra- and inter-discipliniary collaborations and impact |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | We have established a new collaboration to explore emotional experiences of ICU patients in Tees Valley Hospital- ongoing |
| Title | Repository of naturalistic human facial expressions |
| Description | we have assembled an open-access repository of human naturalistic facial expression of emotion. Access can be granted to researchers following submission of the access requirements. Database to be published following acceptance of our associated research output |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | provides other researchers an important database of images to be used for more ecologically-valid future experiments |
| Title | data set: Flexible signalling strategies by victims mediate post-conflict interactions in bonobos |
| Description | Heesen, Raphaela; Austry, Diane; Upton, Zoe; Clay, Zanna (2022): Flexible signalling strategies by victims mediate post-conflict interactions in bonobos. figshare. Online resource. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16910173.v4 |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | provides open-access to analysis code and data, faciliating other researchers work |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16910173.v4 |
| Description | Bonobo Research Network |
| Organisation | University of Antwerp |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have been invited to be part of the Bonobo Research Network about our research, a research network to facilitate collaboration by researchers of bonobos |
| Collaborator Contribution | access to knowledge, collaborations, resource sharing |
| Impact | Symposium invitation (accepted) to speak at the International Primatology Congress Quito, August 2020 with roundtable meetings. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration to establishing eyetracking methodology at Basel Zoo (Adrian Baumeyer) |
| Organisation | Basel Zoo |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Established collaboration to enhance research capacity at Basel Zoo by installing eyetracking devices and training great apes on participating in eye-tracking research and the training of caretakers. This substantially enhances the research capacity of the Zoo, where research is one of their core directives |
| Collaborator Contribution | Through a direct benefit sharing collaboration, Basel Zoo has supported our research by agreeing for their great apes to participate in our research study involving eyetracking with great apes. The Zoo is benefitting by enhancing their research capacity, receiving bespoke training on conducting eyetracking research with primates- where enhacing research capacity is among their core objectives |
| Impact | Study being written up for publication |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Collaboration with Deep Learning/Machine Learning expert - Dr Mark Szenteczki University of Neuchatel |
| Organisation | University of Neuchatel |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have established a collaboration with an computer science expert in Deep Learning/Machine Learning - Dr Mark Szenteczki from the University of Neuchatel to establish an automated facial expression coding programme using Deep Learning. Such a coding programme does not yet exist therefore this collaboration has potential for extensive benefit sharing to the research community as we will publish the scripts as open source. As well as benefitting the research outputs from this project, this collaboration has the potential to provide new methods to substantially advance comparative affective science research. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A collaboration has been established, meetings have been held between relevant parties and there is regular communication between Dr Szenteczki and the PDRA Dr Heesen. Dr Szenteczki is currently working on establishing the scripts to roll out for behavioural analysis in the next few months |
| Impact | This is a multi-discipliniary collaboration between affective science, computer science-Deep Learning/Machine Learning and comparative psychology. A publication is due to be produced in 2022 |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr Malini Suchak to examine emotion expressions and cooperation |
| Organisation | Canisius College |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We are collaborating on an analysis of an exisiting dataset from Dr Suchak and her team to investigate the role of emotional expressions in chimpanzee cooperation. We are leading the research study, offering intellectual, analysis and writing expertise |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing data and intellectual contribution |
| Impact | A peer-reviewed paper is anticipated |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr Paul Chazot, Pain specialist with Tees Valley Hospital |
| Organisation | Durham University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have established an impact-based collaboration to use our novel technology, infra-red thermal imaging to assess emotional experiences of patients in intensive care who cannot verbally report. I provide the expertise in this method and the equipment. We are also establishing a collaboration with Artist in Residence at Tees Valley Hospital to study patients responses to art within the hospital with the goal to promote wellbeing responses |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaboration with Tees Valley Hospital and access to ICU patients through exisiting approvals. New knowledge |
| Impact | work in progress |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with Utrecht University (Suska Nolte , Edwin van Leeuwen, Lisbeth Sterck) |
| Organisation | Utrecht University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have contributed bi-laterally to data collection, intellectual development and analysis of multiple research studies examining the relationship between emotion expressions and cooperation |
| Collaborator Contribution | this represents a bi-lateral contriution to data collection, intellectual development and analysis of multiple research studies examining the relationship between emotion expressions and cooperation, both my team and our partners have contributed to both components |
| Impact | Multiple research papers expected, currently still under analysis |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Collaboration with Zoos and great ape research facilities in Europe and Africa: La Vallee des Singes, France; Planckendael Zoo, Belgium; Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo |
| Organisation | Basel Zoo |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have established collaborations with great ape facilities enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research there. In addition, we provide relevant knowledge-sharing and training to staff about novel methods for application in zoo settings as well as share our research findings and disseminate our findings to general public visiting the Zoo such as by talks, posters and evening events at the Zoos At Lola ya Bonobo, PI Zanna Clay is a scientific consultant and advises the sanctuary on behavioural management at regular bi-monthly meetings to enhance capacity |
| Collaborator Contribution | These facilities provide the capacity for us to conduct our comparative research. |
| Impact | We have been able to collect data essential for our research as well as to enhance research infrastructure, knowledge sharing and capacity building of these as research facilities. We have also engaged with zoo staff members about our findings which has enhanced knowledge which can contribute to improved behavioural management. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with Zoos and great ape research facilities in Europe and Africa: La Vallee des Singes, France; Planckendael Zoo, Belgium; Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo |
| Organisation | Lola ya Bonobo |
| Country | Congo, the Democratic Republic of the |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have established collaborations with great ape facilities enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research there. In addition, we provide relevant knowledge-sharing and training to staff about novel methods for application in zoo settings as well as share our research findings and disseminate our findings to general public visiting the Zoo such as by talks, posters and evening events at the Zoos At Lola ya Bonobo, PI Zanna Clay is a scientific consultant and advises the sanctuary on behavioural management at regular bi-monthly meetings to enhance capacity |
| Collaborator Contribution | These facilities provide the capacity for us to conduct our comparative research. |
| Impact | We have been able to collect data essential for our research as well as to enhance research infrastructure, knowledge sharing and capacity building of these as research facilities. We have also engaged with zoo staff members about our findings which has enhanced knowledge which can contribute to improved behavioural management. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with Zoos and great ape research facilities in Europe and Africa: La Vallee des Singes, France; Planckendael Zoo, Belgium; Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo |
| Organisation | Planckendael Zoo |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have established collaborations with great ape facilities enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research there. In addition, we provide relevant knowledge-sharing and training to staff about novel methods for application in zoo settings as well as share our research findings and disseminate our findings to general public visiting the Zoo such as by talks, posters and evening events at the Zoos At Lola ya Bonobo, PI Zanna Clay is a scientific consultant and advises the sanctuary on behavioural management at regular bi-monthly meetings to enhance capacity |
| Collaborator Contribution | These facilities provide the capacity for us to conduct our comparative research. |
| Impact | We have been able to collect data essential for our research as well as to enhance research infrastructure, knowledge sharing and capacity building of these as research facilities. We have also engaged with zoo staff members about our findings which has enhanced knowledge which can contribute to improved behavioural management. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with Zoos and great ape research facilities in Europe and Africa: La Vallee des Singes, France; Planckendael Zoo, Belgium; Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo |
| Organisation | Valley of the Monkeys |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We have established collaborations with great ape facilities enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research there. In addition, we provide relevant knowledge-sharing and training to staff about novel methods for application in zoo settings as well as share our research findings and disseminate our findings to general public visiting the Zoo such as by talks, posters and evening events at the Zoos At Lola ya Bonobo, PI Zanna Clay is a scientific consultant and advises the sanctuary on behavioural management at regular bi-monthly meetings to enhance capacity |
| Collaborator Contribution | These facilities provide the capacity for us to conduct our comparative research. |
| Impact | We have been able to collect data essential for our research as well as to enhance research infrastructure, knowledge sharing and capacity building of these as research facilities. We have also engaged with zoo staff members about our findings which has enhanced knowledge which can contribute to improved behavioural management. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with eyetracking expert Dr Chris Krupenye |
| Organisation | Durham University |
| Department | Department of Psychology |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with great ape eyetracking expert Dr Chris Krupenye to collaborate on an eyetracking study on great apes affective responses to others facial expressions of need, being conducted by PDRA Dr Heesen at Basel Zoo |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provide expert training in eyetracking methodology, study design, implementation |
| Impact | None as yet |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Ongoing collaboration with Dr Mariska Kret and her Leiden team to enhance research capacity, dissemination, impact and promote high quality outputs |
| Organisation | Leiden University |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | This is an ongoing collaboration as part of the ESRC-ORA project with Dr Mariska Kret and her team from the University of Leiden. Although the pandemic has been extremely disruptive to our research, this collaboration has provided key research support to help buffer some of the very detrimental impacts. There continues to be active exchange between the UK and Dutch teams- myself and the PDRA from my research team actively engage and supporte the research activities of the other team. This includes holding project collaborative meetings at least once per week among PDRAs and RAs to work on mutual projects, and the PIs and research teams from both countries meeting at least once per month to discuss projects, share knowledge including of relevant methodologies and research design. We contribute by actively sharing expertise including our knowledge of converting some research to online methods as well as sharing research methodologies such as touchscreen training, eye tracking protocols, infra-red thermal imaging, behavioural experiments. Active exchange between the Durham and Leiden teams continues to be pivotal for this research. We also share data collection opportunities as part of the collaboration, which enhance overall capacity of the project as we are able to share data collection between the project teams at multiple locations. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This is an active bilateral partnership between two research teams as part of the ESRC-ORA project with Dr Mariska Kret and her team from the University of Leiden. Even despite the challenging conditions of the pandemic, there remains active exchange and supportive collaboration between the UK and Dutch teams. The Leiden team contribute actively to sharing expertise including enhancing knowledge of advanced statistical and programming techniques, including MATLAB, as well as sharing research methodologies particulary psychophysical techniques which are a special expertise of the team. The active exchange between the Durham and Leiden teams continues to be pivotal for this research. |
| Impact | Establishing and conducting research studies/ the project deliverables Enhance researcher specialised training, knowledge-sharing and capacity building of relevant state-of-the-Art methods and theory Contribution to research papers and research designs Establishing novel analysis techniques and methodologies- where training is provided bilaterally to benefit team members. This includes methods in eyetracking, infra-red thermal imaging, online experiments, Deep Learning, behavioural coding and when psycho-physical techniques. We held a invited Symposium on Emotion Expressions at the European Federation for Primatology conference June 2022 |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | collaboration to enhance capacity building about eyetracking - University of Neuchatel (Vanessa Wilson and Klaus Zuberbuhler) |
| Organisation | University of Neuchatel |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | established partnership to share research expertise, experiences and resources for eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo, Switzerland |
| Collaborator Contribution | engaged in partnership to share expertise, experiences and resources for eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo |
| Impact | Publications anticipated |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | collaboration with National University of Samoa to promote cross-cultural research in Samoa |
| Organisation | National University of Samoa |
| Country | Samoa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have established a collaboration agreement to work together in partnership to conduct cross-cultural research on emotion perception in Samoa, we are working closely with National University of Samoa to establish mutually-beneficial partnerships. We have provided capacity- building and skills-building opportunities to staff and students at NUS to develop their skills in quantitative research methods and research design. We intnded to disseminate our findings and increase research capacity. We are also providing training to local staff and students, |
| Collaborator Contribution | research advice, stakeholder engagement, cultural advising, skills and capacity to conduct cross-cultural research |
| Impact | in progress |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | collaboration with University of Osnabrück (Jolinde Vlaeyen) |
| Organisation | University of Osnabrück |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | intellectual contribution to research chimpanzee and bonobo emotional expressions- involved as co-authors |
| Collaborator Contribution | leading a collaborative research study on chimpanzee emotional expressions |
| Impact | 2 published research papers Kim, Y., Vlaeyen, J. M., Heesen, R., Clay, Z., & Kret, M. E. (2022). The Association Between the Bared-Teeth Display and Social Dominance in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Affective Science, 3(4), 749-760. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42761-022-00138-1#citeas Vlaeyen, J. M., Heesen, R., Kret, M. E., Clay, Z., Bionda, T., & Kim, Y. (2022). Bared-teeth displays in bonobos (Pan paniscus): An assessment of the power asymmetry hypothesis. American Journal of Primatology, 84(9), e23419. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajp.23419 |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | collaboration with Zoological Society of Antwerp for comparative research |
| Organisation | Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We have established a research collaboration with comparative researchers at the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (KMDA) to collaborate on research projects of this grant. We intend to directly collaborate on two studies, where the dedicted PDRA of this grant will work along side a post-doc from KMDA to collect our data in Lola ya Bonobo. We also plan to conduct an analysis of some of their exisiting data for a related project for this grant which is relevant to the current grant objectives. As some of the research from this team overlaps with ours, we have established a research agreement to maximise on our combined skill-set and knowledge sharing |
| Collaborator Contribution | collaboration of research projects for combined and co-authored publications, we have developed a collaboration agreement to conduct mutually-beneficial research at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, DR Congo which both teams will contribute to |
| Impact | Provide further training opportunities for postgraduate researchers |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | collaboration with technicians at Max Planck Institute to design experimental apparatus (Raik Pieszek) |
| Organisation | Max Planck Society |
| Department | Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We collaborated with the technician team at the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig to design a bespoke experimental testing apparatus to study cooperation and emotion expressions in chimpanzees. We engaged in planning of the box which was eventually produced and successfully ocnducted |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided technical guidance and input about the apparatus design for a testing box used to study cooperation in great apes |
| Impact | Novel Experimental apparatus has been built and installed at La Vallee des Singes, France, with expected publication to follow |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Conferences including keynote and plenary talks as well as invited research symposium talks |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Plenary Talk: Culture Conference, Stirling UK July 2019 International Society for Research on Emotions: Invited symposium presentation: Development of Emotions (July 2019) Annual Conference for Ethological Society- Tubingen Germany (Feb 2020) Invited Seminar: Birkbeck University Psychology Department Seminar (March 2020) Budapest Cognitive Development Conference Jan 2020 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| Description | Diverse dissemination activities/Public engagement. SciBar Newcastle, Pint of Science Durham, Natural History Museum, London; Saturday Morning Science, Durham; Forum for Philosophy, London |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | SciBar Newcastle: Public engagement talk within a friendly 'pub' environment with long open discussion afterwards for public to ask questions. 30 people attended Pint of Science Durham: Public engagement talk as part of national Pint of Science festival. 30 people attended Natural History Museum, London- Public engagement talk within Attenborough Studios at Natural History Museum. Interview-style with Qs from audience. Mixed age. 50-60 people in attendance Saturday Morning Science, Durham- Public engagement talk at Durham University for local general public. approx 100 in audience Forum for Philosophy, London. Organised by LSE. Free public event organised as Debate/Discussion with inter-discipliniary panel. Theme of morality and emtions. 150 in audience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| Description | Engaged with a professional dancer to develop new show enacting emotions of bonobos and emotion expressions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The team engaged with a professional dancer who was interested in enacting emotions of bonobos to develop a new show on the evolution of emotion expressions. The exchange sparked questions and engagement with the research, and influenced the development of the new dance piece |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Engagement/outreach talks with children |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I ran a series of Outreach Talks for Children on Zoom during the lockdown as well as giving several presentations/talks to Brownies groups across the UK about my life as a female scientist and my research all about emotion and communication in humans and great apes - the topic of the grant. I described our research findings and questions from the grant and answered their questions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
| Description | How the Lights Get In Festival- (Festival of Arts, Science and Ideas)- invited public talk about the evolution of emotions/great apes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to give a podium talk at How the Lights Get In Festival 2019, the UKs biggest festival of Arts, Science and Ideas . https://howthelightgetsin.org/hay I participated in a debate as well as an individual podium talk about evolution of emotions and empathy. There were large audiences + 200 for debate, +50 for talk |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | In-depth filmed interview on evolution of empathy- online- Institute of Arts and Ideas |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | I took part in a filmed interview for the Institute of Arts and Ideas about the Evolution of empathy and great ape emotions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://iai.tv/video/zanna-clay-in-depth-interview-animal-empathy-evolution |
| Description | Interview with The Dissenter- online youtube interview about science and philosophy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | I took part in an interview for the public youbtube channel for interviews on science and philosophy- known as The Dissenter - organised by Ricardo Lopez I discussed my work on understanding evolution of empathy and emotions. Interview editing is being finalised, due to be released in April. Youtube page here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTUcatGD6xu4tAcxG-1D4Bg |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTUcatGD6xu4tAcxG-1D4Bg |
| Description | Invited engagement talk for University of Durham Psychology Society |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Gave a public engagement talk about my research to Psychology Society, approx 30 students attended- made up mostly of undergraduates and postgraduates. The students asked questions and engaged with the research, and approached me afterwards to see how they could become involved in further research, they reported increased interest in the subject area |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Invited research seminars at University of Neuchatel (Cognitive Science); University of Zurich (Anthropology); University of Potsdam (Biology) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | research seminars and academic engagement with research students about the project, methods and approaches. asked questions and engaged with the research, and students approached me afterwards reporting increased nterest in the subject area |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Invited seminar speaker - Center for Biosciences, University of Exeter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Seminar and student engagement activity |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Invited seminar speaker - Center for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to give a virtual seminar about my research and research activities which was open and attended by the general public as well as researchers, postgrad/undergrad students and others at the UCL Centre for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Invited seminar speaker - Liverpool University Evolutionary Anthropology Seminar Series |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I gave a virtual seminar about my research which was attended by a large audience composed of general public, postgraduate students and researchers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://twitter.com/livuni_evoanth/status/1317017903582056448?lang=en |
| Description | Invited speaker at the Central Washington Primatology Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Invited speaker for Central Washington Primatology Conference |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Invited speaker for NINEDTP Doctoral Programme Annual Conference- Conducting research in the time of COVID |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I was asked to speak as part of an invited panel at the NINEDTP Doctoral Training School Annual Conference about 'Conducting research in the time of COVID' where I presented about how my research project had been affected and how we have tried to mitigate the project, and to take questions from the postgraduate trainees |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Junior Scientist programme - ape expressions- Impact and engagement activity with children and families: |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Junior scientist- summer science programme for children and families. As part of our impact and dissemination work, we hosted a "Feel your inner ape" event where children and parents engaged in a drama and engagement workshop to experienece, learn about and act ape expressions. Before commencing we assessed children's knowledge about ape expressions and apes; then we did a dissemination event where children/parents learned about different ape expressions and enacted them in acting and movement, we then assessed knowledge change after the training. we saw a marked shift and improvement in detecting ape expressions accurately after the training, and also increased awareness of conservation issues affecting apes. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Open Days, Psychology Department Durham University |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Participated in Open Days at University to present about our research involved in this project, Met with potential students and parents and discussed research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| Description | Pint of Science Festival Durham |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pint of Science - public engagement festival to engage general public of around 30 and celebrate science by giving publicly accessible science outreach talk. the general public asked questions and engaged with the research, and approached me afterwards to report increased interest in the subject area and changed views |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Primary school engagement event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | engagement activity/talks at New Hartley Primary School and other primary schools in the region to disseminate and engage about the research |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Public engagement activities at La Vallee Zoo |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The research team has given multiple talks/held informal events at La Vallée Zoo to engage with professional care staff (approx 20 members of staff) of animals about the nature of our research. The research team has also given research talks and behavioural tours on communication of great apes for multiple visitors (50-100) at La Vallée. This has sparked questions and discussion among members of the public, including many children, about the nature of primate communication, its simialrity to ours and primate conservation. The general public attending reported changing their views on primates since attending the engagement activities and wanted to engage in conservation. Likewise the zoo staff also reported changing their view of primate communication following the engagement activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| Description | Public talk, La Fête de la Conservation, La Vallée des Singes, France |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Public talk about ape expressions for La Fête de la Conservation, La Vallée des Singes, France |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Stemettes Event Workshop- Engagement/outreach talks with young women and girls |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to participate as a female scientist as one of their "Role Model' sessions as part of the Stemmettes Workshop/Conference for Women and Girls in STEM. I presented about my research and engaged in questions from young women and girls about my research and life as a scientist |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://stemettes.org/zine/tag/zoology/ |
| Description | Video interview for Women In Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I participated in Durham University Women in Science Public Engagement Video, I was invited thanks to my reputation as a ESRC Grant Holder and public engager |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WyVkdnt8Y |
| Description | Video interview for Women In Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I participated in Durham University Women in Science Public Engagement Video, I was invited thanks to my reputation as a ESRC Grant Holder and public engager |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WyVkdnt8Y |
| Description | Was invited for an interview/researcher spotlight for 'The Voice of Islam' radio station to discuss about cross-cultural variation in emotion expressions and the development of empathy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to speak as an expert on comparative emotions for the Voice of Islam Radio Station - I was interviewed about cross-cultural variation in emotion expressions and the development of empathy/emotion expressions for a Live Radio Interview. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | ape specialist contributor to magazine articles |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | invited contributor interviewee for sierra magazine about great apes |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | consulted Disney for new documentary |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | I provided consultancy to Disney about a new documentary they are developing. I am unable to comment further owing to confidentiality clauses. i provided knowledge and advice to improve their programming structure and scientific accuracy |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | evolutionary lens invited workshop- tel aviv, israel |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | participated in workshop attended by approx 30 people to discuss major issues in evolutionary science- contributing insights from my researhc on human and ape emotion expressions and emotion processing. which sparked questions and discussion afterwards, and the attendees reported increased interest in related subject areas. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | interview for Radio 4 science programme supersenses |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | invited to appear on Radio 4 programme Supersenses to discuss my research on ape emotion expressions and touch for new series. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | invited talk at workshop on on Explanatory roles of Emotions in Comparative Cognition and Philosophy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | discussed Flexible emotional signals in bonobos and its link to empathy at inter-discipliniary Workshop on Explanatory roles of Emotions in Comparative Cognition and Philosophy in Bern, Switzerland (June 2022) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | invited talk for the Humanists north-east |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | invited talk to the Humanists north-east to overview research on the evolution of emotion expressions, empathy and great apes |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | media interviews - mongabey, financial times |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | providing media interviews for science articles relating to research conducted about human and ape emotion expressions |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
| Description | participated in invited workshop on language evolution, university of oslo |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | discussed research and its impact relating to strategic use of emotional signals in bonobos increases bystander empathy. sparked questions and dicussion afterwards at the Forum on Performativity in Language and Beyond (PerForum), University of Oslo, Norway (June 2022)- invited for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | research Article covered in Nature Research Highlights |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | dissemination article about our research study appeared in Nature Research Highlights |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-02135-7 |
| Description | wide media dissemination for research publication with press release |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | press-release and widespread media pick up for our published study on great ape emotional expressions, including coverage in new scientist, BBC earth, daily mail and other outlets. front page of durham university website |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |