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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.

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

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description Our research has highlighted that the staggeringly rich, diverse and fascinating ways in which we, as humans, communicate our emotions and its rich evolutionary history. By conducting comparative research with our closest living relatives, the great apes, we have shown that our capacities to express and understand others emotional expressions are deeply rooted in our primate past, while also being shaped by culture. Beyond our own species, our research using state-of-the art techniques like pupillometry, thermal imaging and eyetracking also shows us that like humans, our closest cousins also have rich forms of facial, bodily and vocal communication which they use to express their emotional states with others and navigate their social worlds. Beyond research, we can use this knowledge of their emotional states to promote greater understanding of their welfare and experiences, which can enhance wellbeing.

By comparing humans with their closest relatives, we have found that both humans and great apes are highly sensitive to their social audiences when communicating their emotions and the impact their signals have on those in their audiences. Our research in the UK and rural parts of Uganda in Africa reveals how this also varies accross different cultures, highlighting important cultural diversity in how we communicate. For example, when watching emotionally charged videos scenes, people in rural communities in Uganda and highly urbanised communities in Europe are much more likley to provide rich emotional expressions when in a social situation than alone. Cultures seem to differ in how and when they emotionally communicate, for instance communities in Uganda were overall less emotionally expressive than in Europe, which we point down to cross-cultural differences in societal values about expressing emotions. We need to explore this further to understand how this ties into societal rules and values.

Beyond culture, we found fascinating species differences between great apes, our closest cousins, and humans in the context of cooperation. When cooperating with one another, humans use very rich forms of emotional communication including smiling frowing and laughing which seem to help to promote cooperation and teamwork, whereas our great ape relatives, only communicate to one another when cooperation fails. We think that therefore, humans have developed a more flexible and strategic ways of communicating to one another that promotes more enhanced forms of cooperation and negotiation whereas great apes tend to express their emotional responses in responses to others cooperative decisions. This could be a key difference on the route to the expansive and rich forms of cooperation and communication our species is capable of. We also found great apes were more attentive to negative emotional information whereas humans were interested in both positive and negative forms, which highlights our rich emotional capacities.
Exploitation Route Our research has provided many new findings as well as exciting new noninvasive techniques such as thermal imaging, eyetracking, touchscreen techniques to study the evolution of emotions in a comparative and cross-cultural approach. We also have provided a systematic database, accessible to researchers, of naturalistic facial expressions of emotion which we hope will stimulate more ecologically valid research approaches. We have also provided an open-source facial expression analysis software and accompanying code to assist researchers in analysis of emotion expressions. Our cross-cultural research in Uganda and UK also highlights the crucial need for more diverse and naturalistic methods in comparative affective science to promote better understanding of the evolutionary and cultural origins of our social and emotional communication .
As well as providing novel approaches and techniques, there has been wide engagement and uptake of our research findings within and beyohnd our diciplines, this includes continuing invitations to engage in inter-discipliniary spaces to share results and approaches
Finally, we have used this project as a basis for an exciting new edited volume on Comparative Affective Science with Cambridge University Press to provide a new educational resource to share current research, methods and theory in comparative affective science, an exciting and emerging field.
Sectors Education

Culture

Heritage

Museums and Collections

Other

 
Description Findings of this project have substantially promoted engagement and improve understanding by children and the general public about the evolutionary origins of human emotions as well as great apes, ape emotional expressions and its relation to ape conservation. we have run multiple successful 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. 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 emotions and their expressions 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 incuding crossculturally. Through the integration of the technological advances we have brought to Durham using infra-red thermal imaging, our project provides novel opportunities to study 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. Through better detecting emotional experiences we can use this technique to detect and respond to emotional responses of humans and animals. 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 Influence on improved educational and skill level of workforces, public and local research knowledge of cross-cultural research techniques and capacity in Uganda
Geographic Reach Africa 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact training and dissemination of research techniques, theory and practise has resulted in substantially improved educational and skill level of workforces for local researchers who have now become research practitioners and active contributors to research. Related skills and training have been provided to upskill local communities as well as providing economic impacts to local community through ongoing emplyment opportunities through our local research initiative, the Budongo Famililies Project in collaboration with Budongo Conservation Research Station. Dissemination of research findings and ongoing engagement with local communities has also drastically improved local educational opportunities, with local educational resources provided as well as changed public attitudes surrounding scientific research and the relationship between emotions and mental health.
 
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 ÂŁ31,000 (GBP)
Organisation Durham University 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2022 
End 03/2022
 
Description ERC- Proof of Concept E-VIRT. For the development of a VR-emotion expression training tool. Awarded €150.000
Amount € 150,000 (EUR)
Funding ID ERC- Proof of Concept E-VIRT 
Organisation European Research Council (ERC) 
Sector Public
Country Belgium
Start 05/2022 
End 06/2024
 
Description Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant << JORIGINS >>, Horizon Europe, HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01, N°101105532, "Building blocks of human sociality: A comparative assessment of joint actions in humans and their closest ape relatives" award
Amount € 173,847 (EUR)
Funding ID 101105532, 
Organisation Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country Global
Start 05/2023 
End 06/2025
 
Description Nature versus nurture: A multi-disciplinary approach to study how humans (have) become ultra-cooperative. Ambitzione Grant Swiss National Science Foundation awarded to Dr Raphaela Heesen https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/223809
Amount SFr. 932,786 (CHF)
Organisation Swiss National Science Foundation 
Sector Public
Country Switzerland
Start 01/2025 
End 01/2029
 
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 Naturalistic database of human expressions of emotion 
Description Production of an accessible rich database to made available to researchers of naturalistic human facial expressions grouped by audience and valence conditions, in the effort to promote more ecologically valid emotion research by deliverance of naturalistic stimuli in affective science https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01888-1#app-1 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact To provide an accessible database of naturalistic human facial expressions grouped by audience and valence conditions, in the effort to promote more ecologically valid emotion research by deliverance of naturalistic stimuli in affective science. This is a very rare and much needed contribution in the emotion literature, which is heavily biased by posed actors' emotion expressions often rated as unauthentic and non-genuine 
URL https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01888-1#app-1
 
Title Data repository for iScience paper: Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements. DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110663 
Description Dataset provided: https://github.com/Szenteczki/Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Dataset made available 
URL https://github.com/Szenteczki/Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements
 
Title Dataset repository for PNASNexus study Perceptual integration of bodily and facial emotion cues in chimpanzees and humans 
Description Perceptual integration of bodily and facial emotion cues in chimpanzees and humans All data and code freely accessible at the following repository https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22561213.v2. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Provides opensource data and code 
URL https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Perceptual_integration_of_bodily_and_facial_emotion_cues_in_ch...
 
Title OpenFace analysis technique https://github.com/TadasBaltrusaitis/OpenFace 
Description Open-source analysis technique for automated facial expression analysis https://github.com/TadasBaltrusaitis/OpenFace 
Type Of Material Data analysis technique 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Provides researchers freely accessible resource to automatically analyse facial expressions https://github.com/TadasBaltrusaitis/OpenFace 
URL https://github.com/TadasBaltrusaitis/OpenFace
 
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 analysis coding and algorithms for iScience paper, Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements 
Description https://github.com/Szenteczki/Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements 
Type Of Material Computer model/algorithm 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Provides all statistical analysis code for iScience paper Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements 
URL https://github.com/Szenteczki/Audience-Effects-on-Human-Emotional-Face-and-Hand-Movements
 
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 Book deal with Cambridge University Press 'Comparative Affective Science' 
Organisation Cambridge University Press
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Editor of a Cambridge University Press book entitled Comparative Affective Science
Collaborator Contribution An academic publisher who will disseminate our research and contribute royalties on the book
Impact Signed book deal
Start Year 2024
 
Description Collaboration to establish comparative 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 https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/2/pgae012/7577736?login=true
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with Canisius University- Prof Malini Suchak on research examining chimpanzee emotion expressions and cooperation 
Organisation Canisius College
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution collaboration on a research paper using exisiting data from Dr Suchak a 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 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 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 in progress
Start Year 2019
 
Description Collaboration with Faculty of Science, Utrecht University (Dr Suska Nolte , Dr Edwin van Leeuwen, Prof Lisbeth Sterck) 
Organisation Utrecht University
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We have contributed bi-laterally to multiple researcg studies (data collection, intellectual development and analysis) to examine emotion expressions and cooperation in great apes
Collaborator Contribution We have contributed bi-laterally to multiple researcg studies (data collection, intellectual development and analysis) to examine emotion expressions and cooperation in great apes both my team and our partners have contributed to both components
Impact two research papers are currently being prepared for publication Drivers of food sharing in Pan species: a food provisioning study in multiple zoo-living groups of bonobos and chimpanzees Suska Nolte1,2*, Raphaela Heesen3,4, Isa Spiero1, Solène Bischoff1, Zanna Clay3, Zoë Goldsborough5, Daniel B. M. Haun2, Jens Mudde1, Marjolijn M. Vermande6, William Hoppitt7, Elisabeth, H. M. Sterck1,8, Edwin J. C. van Leeuwen1,2,9
Start Year 2020
 
Description Collaboration with Prof Mariska Kret and the CoPan Lab to enhance research capacity, dissemination, impact and promote high quality outputs 
Organisation Leiden University
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution ongoing collaboration as part of the ESRC-ORA project with Prof Mariska Kret and the CoPan Lab at the University of Leiden. There continues to be active exchange between the UK and Dutch teams- This includes holding project collaborative meetings 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 actively share 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 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 .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 Multi-discipliniary collaboration involving psychology, zoology, comparative affective science, neuroscience, cognitive psychology Establish and conducting research studies/ the project deliverables Enhance researcher training, knowledge-sharing and capacity building of relevant state-of-the-Art methods and theory Contribution to research papers and research designs Establish 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, another Symposium on Emotional Communication at the European Federation for Primatology conference June 2024
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 Basel Zoo
Country Switzerland 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We have established collaborations with great ape facilities to enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research and 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 to enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research and 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 to enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research and 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 to enable our research while also enhancing capacity building . We work with these facilities to undertake our research and 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 collaboration that has enhanced facility capacity building about comparative methods in eyetracking - Basel Zoo and University of Neuchatel (Klaus Zuberbuhler) 
Organisation Basel Zoo
Country Switzerland 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution established partnership with Basel Zoo and collaborators at University of Neuchatel, Switzerland to share research expertise, experiences and resources to faciliate eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo, Switzerland. As a result of our collaboration, Basel Zoo has established new skillsets in supporting researcg, and now supports comparative research in eyetracking which has considerably improved their science engagement scope and capacity.
Collaborator Contribution engaged in partnership to share expertise, experiences and resources for eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo
Impact Heesen, R., Kim, Y., Kret, M. E., & Clay, Z. (2024). Perceptual integration of bodily and facial emotion cues in chimpanzees and humans. PNAS nexus, 3(2), page012. https://academic-oup-com.ezphost.dur.ac.uk/pnasnexus/article/3/2/pgae012/7577736 6 Interactive zoo visitor events held summer 2023 for 'Meet the researcher' for general public to attend science talks by researcher at the Zoo and ask questions. Generated revenue for Zoo by advertising special events
Start Year 2020
 
Description collaboration that has enhanced facility capacity building about comparative methods in eyetracking - Basel Zoo and University of Neuchatel (Klaus Zuberbuhler) 
Organisation University of Neuchatel
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution established partnership with Basel Zoo and collaborators at University of Neuchatel, Switzerland to share research expertise, experiences and resources to faciliate eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo, Switzerland. As a result of our collaboration, Basel Zoo has established new skillsets in supporting researcg, and now supports comparative research in eyetracking which has considerably improved their science engagement scope and capacity.
Collaborator Contribution engaged in partnership to share expertise, experiences and resources for eyetracking research with great apes in Basel Zoo
Impact Heesen, R., Kim, Y., Kret, M. E., & Clay, Z. (2024). Perceptual integration of bodily and facial emotion cues in chimpanzees and humans. PNAS nexus, 3(2), page012. https://academic-oup-com.ezphost.dur.ac.uk/pnasnexus/article/3/2/pgae012/7577736 6 Interactive zoo visitor events held summer 2023 for 'Meet the researcher' for general public to attend science talks by researcher at the Zoo and ask questions. Generated revenue for Zoo by advertising special events
Start Year 2020
 
Description collaboration with Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and La Vallee des Singes, France 
Organisation Max Planck Society
Department Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Collaboration with Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig to design a bespoke experimental testing apparatus to study cooperation and emotion expressions in chimpanzees. The collaboration has resulted in a successful study that is now being written up for publication
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 was built, installed and successfully run at La Vallee des Singes, France Results from this study are currently being written up for publication
Start Year 2021
 
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 OsnabrĂŒck
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution intellectual collaboration for research chimpanzee and bonobo emotional expressions- involved in publications co-authors
Collaborator Contribution lead a collaborative research study on chimpanzee emotional expressions
Impact 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 promotion of cross-cultural research on human emotion expressions: collaboration with Budongo Families Project and Budongo Conservation Research Station, Uganda 
Organisation Budongo Conservation Field Station
Country Uganda 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution We have collaborated with Budongo Conservation Research Station to establish the Budongo Families Project which provides a research site in Western Uganda to conduct cross-cultural research in human psychology. We have been conducting cross-cultural research on human emotion expressions there. Through this collaboration we have provided extensive infrastructure, resources and capacity building to support local research teams as well as to provide local community support to participating families including educational and medical resources. We have also proivided ongoing employment and upskilling of local research team members.
Collaborator Contribution The partners have provided local logistical support and input on resource and human resource management. They have also faciliated contact to local community partners.
Impact Two papers on cross-cultural emotion production and perception are in preparation from this collaboration We have also disseminated results from our findings to local communities at a dissemination event held on 15th February in Nyabyeya Foresty College as well as to present results from our research live on Radio 7 for a one-hour special. Radio 7 is the primary national news radio channel in Uganda. We received calls from listeners accross the country about our findings https://www.radio7.ug/
Start Year 2021
 
Description BBC Radio 4 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 participated in BBC Radio 4 radio series 'Supersenses' to talk about our research. Extensive reach to broad audiences
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001l284
 
Description CanadianBroadcasting Corporation ' Quirks and Quarks' radio programme- research feature 
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 Presented about our research findings as part of science news programme, received active engagement from presenter and questions from live audience
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks
 
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 Durham University Psychology Society - lecture 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact evening lecture given to students accross Durham University as part of the Psychology Society research series. Answered questions from students from many disciplines including humanties, sociology, english who reported learning a lot of new knowledge from the presentation.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023,2024
 
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 General public presentation - evening lecture speaker. En route to social interaction,, Institute for Cognitive Science, Lyon 
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 Public science talk given in french about the evolution of emotion expressions in humans and apes, given as part of the CNRS Science Festival 'En route to social interaction' given by ZC. Members of general public approached me afterwards to continue discussion and inform how this has changed their viewpoints, knowledge and interest in the area.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Hosted and organised an Interdiscipliniary workshop on the Evolution of Emotion Expressions, Durham University 
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 We organised and hosted an inter-discipliniary workshop on the Evolution of Emotional Expressions- which was widely attended by researchers internationally as well as accross Durham University. We attracted 46 scholars accross multiple disciplines including psychology, anthropology, sociology, history, neuroscience and biology to engage in inter-discipliniary exchange about the origins of emotion expressions. Stimulated active debate and a resulting engagement in future academic events and collaborations
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
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 Keynote- Zoo research symposium 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Participated in the Anwerp Zoological Society Zoo Research Symposium for Zoo keepers, practitioners and researchers to exchange about science, research and welfare in zoo settings. Sparked questions from zoo staff and policy makers about new methods to assess emotion and welfare in zoo apes
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Keynote: CIFAR Winter School on the Neuroscience of Consciousness, Cancun Mexico 
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 50 inter-discliniary research scholars and international funders from accross the globe attended a workshop on the Neuroscience of Consciousness in Cancun, Mexico
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
 
Description Keynote: Royal College of Psychiatry, Evolutionary Psychiatry Special Interest Group Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact around 150 psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and mental health practitioners attended an inter-discipliniary Special Interest Group meeting in which I presented on the evoltion of emotion expressions and empathy. The main goal was to help to support clinicians to emply a more evolutionarily informed approach to mental health. Multiple clinicians approached me afterwards to report how they intended to use findings from my research, and requested followups and engaged in discussion about future collaboraiton. My slides were shared with participants upon request to help inform their practise.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/members/sigs/evolutionary-psychiatry-epsig/newsletters...
 
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 FĂȘte de la Conservation, La VallĂ©e 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 Radio appearance: Radio Vancouver Mornings with Simi on 980CKNW 
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 Presented research findings as part of science news programme live on air
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2025
URL https://globalnews.ca/bc/program/the-simi-sara-show
 
Description Real Emotions Interdiscipliniary workshop on emotions, Amsterdam Interdiscipliniary Centre for Research on Emotion; University of Amsterdam 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact invited to participate as a keynote in an interdiscipliniary exchange about the nature of real emotions- engaged with scholars from history, sociology, english, biology, psychology, neuroscience to share common research questions and interests. Established new research collaborations and audience reported having new ideas and changing perceptions following my engagement
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://aice.uva.nl/research/research.html
 
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 special research dissemination emission for 1 hour special: Ugandan national radio - Radio 7- 
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 held a one-hour special live on Ugandan national radio- Radio 7- to disseminate our research findings on cross-cultural expressions of emotion. Shared widely accross regions in Uganda as ideal format to reach local communities given low literacy, Received hundreds of questions from a live audience which we selected from to engage with live on air. excellent local engagement and responses reported
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024,2025
URL https://www.radio7.ug/
 
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