Thomas MacGillavry
@thomasmacgillavry.bsky.social
PhD student researching birds of paradise |
Interested in avian rhythm and “dance” 💃🏻🕺🏼|
Love music, nature, bouldering, and exploring wild places 🌴 |
he/him |
University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
Interested in avian rhythm and “dance” 💃🏻🕺🏼|
Love music, nature, bouldering, and exploring wild places 🌴 |
he/him |
University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
We had a new paper out yesterday in @royalsocietypublishing.org Biology Letters. About how the cranial feathers of male Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants affect their visual fields. Nice to see it picked up The New York Times and Science. Paper link below.
November 27, 2025 at 7:18 AM
We had a new paper out yesterday in @royalsocietypublishing.org Biology Letters. About how the cranial feathers of male Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants affect their visual fields. Nice to see it picked up The New York Times and Science. Paper link below.
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
I’m thrilled to share that our paper “Effort and time costs influence motivational asymmetries in self-benefitting vs. pro-environmental decisions” is now published in Communications Psychology! 🌿
OA link: www.nature.com/articles/s44...
1/6
OA link: www.nature.com/articles/s44...
1/6
Effort and time costs influence motivational asymmetries in self-benefitting vs pro-environmental decisions - Communications Psychology
People are less willing to incur time and effort costs for the environment than for themselves, with computational modeling revealing nonlinear discounting of time and effort linked to support for cos...
www.nature.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:14 AM
I’m thrilled to share that our paper “Effort and time costs influence motivational asymmetries in self-benefitting vs. pro-environmental decisions” is now published in Communications Psychology! 🌿
OA link: www.nature.com/articles/s44...
1/6
OA link: www.nature.com/articles/s44...
1/6
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
#OnThisDay in 1859, Charles Darwin's landmark book 'On the Origin of Species' was first published. The work is one of the foundations of evolutionary biology, and one of the most important scientific works of the 19th century. #HistoryOfScience
November 24, 2025 at 9:07 AM
#OnThisDay in 1859, Charles Darwin's landmark book 'On the Origin of Species' was first published. The work is one of the foundations of evolutionary biology, and one of the most important scientific works of the 19th century. #HistoryOfScience
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Come and join our lab! We have TWO fully funded PhD positions AND a paid field assistant opportunity in our Behavioral Ecology group @uni-goettingen.de & @primatenzentrum.bsky.social. Projects will be part of @rtg2906-curiosity.bsky.social & @sfb1528.bsky.social!!
Details in thread. Please re-post!
Details in thread. Please re-post!
November 25, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Come and join our lab! We have TWO fully funded PhD positions AND a paid field assistant opportunity in our Behavioral Ecology group @uni-goettingen.de & @primatenzentrum.bsky.social. Projects will be part of @rtg2906-curiosity.bsky.social & @sfb1528.bsky.social!!
Details in thread. Please re-post!
Details in thread. Please re-post!
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Super proud of this fabulous team for challenging old comparative frameworks and rethinking what makes language language.
Read more in the thread below 👇 or here 📖😊: www.cell.com/trends/cogni...
Read more in the thread below 👇 or here 📖😊: www.cell.com/trends/cogni...
November 25, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Super proud of this fabulous team for challenging old comparative frameworks and rethinking what makes language language.
Read more in the thread below 👇 or here 📖😊: www.cell.com/trends/cogni...
Read more in the thread below 👇 or here 📖😊: www.cell.com/trends/cogni...
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
What a genuinely outstanding book. First Tasmanians by Shayne Breen brings together so much research about the history of Aboriginal culture in #Tasmania, from resilience through the Ice Age, through thriving in a challenging environment, resistance to the genocide and recent revitalisation. 📖👏
November 25, 2025 at 9:16 AM
What a genuinely outstanding book. First Tasmanians by Shayne Breen brings together so much research about the history of Aboriginal culture in #Tasmania, from resilience through the Ice Age, through thriving in a challenging environment, resistance to the genocide and recent revitalisation. 📖👏
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Our study of time processing in bumblebees 🐝 covered by @cnn.com here edition.cnn.com/2025/11/12/s... . Our summary is here youtu.be/hsGxU65OMQk and the original paper royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.... @royalsocietypublishing.org
Scientists now know that bees can process time, a first in insects | CNN
Bumblebees can process the duration of flashes of light and use the information to decide where to look for food, a new study has found.
edition.cnn.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Our study of time processing in bumblebees 🐝 covered by @cnn.com here edition.cnn.com/2025/11/12/s... . Our summary is here youtu.be/hsGxU65OMQk and the original paper royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.... @royalsocietypublishing.org
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Our New Paper is out in Nature Human Behaviour: 🚨 Culture is critical in driving orangutan diet development past individual potentials! 🦧 www.nature.com/articles/s41.... See 🧵
Culture is critical in driving orangutan diet development past individual potentials - Nature Human Behaviour
Howard-Spink et al. develop an empirically based model of orangutan diet development, which suggests that social learning is vital for orangutans to acquire varied diets.
www.nature.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Our New Paper is out in Nature Human Behaviour: 🚨 Culture is critical in driving orangutan diet development past individual potentials! 🦧 www.nature.com/articles/s41.... See 🧵
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
🚨We have an open part-time paid position for an *Austria-based* master student in #ComputerScience (incl. adjacent fields) to help develop an automatic stress assessment in wild #GreatTits 🐦
More info in the job description below
Remote work is also possible for non-Viennese students🇦🇹
#AnimalWelfare
More info in the job description below
Remote work is also possible for non-Viennese students🇦🇹
#AnimalWelfare
yseulthb.github.io
October 16, 2025 at 1:47 PM
🚨We have an open part-time paid position for an *Austria-based* master student in #ComputerScience (incl. adjacent fields) to help develop an automatic stress assessment in wild #GreatTits 🐦
More info in the job description below
Remote work is also possible for non-Viennese students🇦🇹
#AnimalWelfare
More info in the job description below
Remote work is also possible for non-Viennese students🇦🇹
#AnimalWelfare
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Interested in a PhD in quantitative animal behavior? Applications are open through October for PhD projects starting in 2026: imprs-qbee.mpg.de/32524/apply
For an inside look at the projects, let our doctoral students be your guide 👇
Videos by @alexhhchan.bsky.social
For an inside look at the projects, let our doctoral students be your guide 👇
Videos by @alexhhchan.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Interested in a PhD in quantitative animal behavior? Applications are open through October for PhD projects starting in 2026: imprs-qbee.mpg.de/32524/apply
For an inside look at the projects, let our doctoral students be your guide 👇
Videos by @alexhhchan.bsky.social
For an inside look at the projects, let our doctoral students be your guide 👇
Videos by @alexhhchan.bsky.social
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
We’re looking for a motivated & curious researcher to join our team as a PhD candidate! You’ll work with Prof. Bridget Waller, Dr. Annika Bremhorst, & me at the Dog Cognition Centre, UoP.
Are you fascinated by the dog–human bond & dog-human communication? 🐶
Interested? Get in touch with me.
Are you fascinated by the dog–human bond & dog-human communication? 🐶
Interested? Get in touch with me.
Shaped by domestication: Did the evolution of facial muscle anatomy and ear morphology in dogs reflect adaptations to humans’ unconscious preferences?
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM
We’re looking for a motivated & curious researcher to join our team as a PhD candidate! You’ll work with Prof. Bridget Waller, Dr. Annika Bremhorst, & me at the Dog Cognition Centre, UoP.
Are you fascinated by the dog–human bond & dog-human communication? 🐶
Interested? Get in touch with me.
Are you fascinated by the dog–human bond & dog-human communication? 🐶
Interested? Get in touch with me.
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Looking for a job in research and conservation? Check out the advert 👇 and apply within the next two-and-a-half weeks.
📢JOB alert📢
Application for the camp manager position at the @taichimpproject.bsky.social is open now. We seek a new camp manager starting on January 1, 2026, for 2+1 years (3rd year optional) working with and for wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire.👇
emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/I...
Application for the camp manager position at the @taichimpproject.bsky.social is open now. We seek a new camp manager starting on January 1, 2026, for 2+1 years (3rd year optional) working with and for wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire.👇
emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/I...
September 28, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Looking for a job in research and conservation? Check out the advert 👇 and apply within the next two-and-a-half weeks.
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
A new #PhD opportunity supervised by @drmambobob.bsky.social and me at the @uniofreading.bsky.social on dragonfly and damselfly evolution!
It is competition funded through the CROCUS partnership, and involves a mix of palaeontology and comparative biology.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
It is competition funded through the CROCUS partnership, and involves a mix of palaeontology and comparative biology.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
November 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
A new #PhD opportunity supervised by @drmambobob.bsky.social and me at the @uniofreading.bsky.social on dragonfly and damselfly evolution!
It is competition funded through the CROCUS partnership, and involves a mix of palaeontology and comparative biology.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
It is competition funded through the CROCUS partnership, and involves a mix of palaeontology and comparative biology.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Review on language evolution just published - haven't read properly yet but from a quick skim looks important!
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 20, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Review on language evolution just published - haven't read properly yet but from a quick skim looks important!
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
🚨Good news, everyone!
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
November 22, 2025 at 4:53 PM
🚨Good news, everyone!
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
1) I'm thrilled to be joining the behavior powerhouse that is Indiana University!! So stoked, starting Jan 2026.
2) I'm recruiting grad students! Are you (or your trainee) interested in sensory ecology? behavior? evolution? fieldwork? spiders? Drop me a line Jstafstr(at)iu.edu
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
📢Two fully-funded #PhD opportunities to work with us:
Topic: Social monitoring & manipulation
UK-domiciled black-heritage scheme: tinyurl.com/aja54nr6
NERC DLTP: tinyurl.com/4jfy47pp
Cosupervisors: #PatrickKennedy @ljnbrent.bsky.social
@bristolbiosci.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #mammals #fieldwork
Topic: Social monitoring & manipulation
UK-domiciled black-heritage scheme: tinyurl.com/aja54nr6
NERC DLTP: tinyurl.com/4jfy47pp
Cosupervisors: #PatrickKennedy @ljnbrent.bsky.social
@bristolbiosci.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #mammals #fieldwork
November 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
📢Two fully-funded #PhD opportunities to work with us:
Topic: Social monitoring & manipulation
UK-domiciled black-heritage scheme: tinyurl.com/aja54nr6
NERC DLTP: tinyurl.com/4jfy47pp
Cosupervisors: #PatrickKennedy @ljnbrent.bsky.social
@bristolbiosci.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #mammals #fieldwork
Topic: Social monitoring & manipulation
UK-domiciled black-heritage scheme: tinyurl.com/aja54nr6
NERC DLTP: tinyurl.com/4jfy47pp
Cosupervisors: #PatrickKennedy @ljnbrent.bsky.social
@bristolbiosci.bsky.social
#bioacoustics #mammals #fieldwork
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Interested in the evolution of human language? Check out our new paper in @science.org where we synthesize latest findings and outline a multifaceted, bio-cultural approach for studying how language evolved. Super proud of this work, and hoping it leads to exciting new research! tinyurl.com/ykacvanp
November 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Interested in the evolution of human language? Check out our new paper in @science.org where we synthesize latest findings and outline a multifaceted, bio-cultural approach for studying how language evolved. Super proud of this work, and hoping it leads to exciting new research! tinyurl.com/ykacvanp
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
After the Ngogo chimpanzee group killed 21 members of neighboring groups and expanded their territory by 22%, female birth rates more than doubled and infant survival increased sharply—showing clear fitness benefits from intergroup killing. In PNAS: https://ow.ly/TKmf50XuPjY
November 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
After the Ngogo chimpanzee group killed 21 members of neighboring groups and expanded their territory by 22%, female birth rates more than doubled and infant survival increased sharply—showing clear fitness benefits from intergroup killing. In PNAS: https://ow.ly/TKmf50XuPjY
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
🚨 Uh-oh!!! A suuuper hot #PhD opportunity just dropped! My friend and collaborator Massimo De Agrò is looking for someone to explore jumping spider vision and neurophysiology! #psychophysics #jumpingspiders #greatPI - apply!!!! (Deadline December 17th) 🚨
November 21, 2025 at 9:49 PM
🚨 Uh-oh!!! A suuuper hot #PhD opportunity just dropped! My friend and collaborator Massimo De Agrò is looking for someone to explore jumping spider vision and neurophysiology! #psychophysics #jumpingspiders #greatPI - apply!!!! (Deadline December 17th) 🚨
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Ecological Constraints Alone Cannot Explain Delayed Dispersal in Splendid Fairywrens | doi.org/10.1093/behe... | Behavioral Ecology | #ornithology 🪶
November 20, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Ecological Constraints Alone Cannot Explain Delayed Dispersal in Splendid Fairywrens | doi.org/10.1093/behe... | Behavioral Ecology | #ornithology 🪶
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
A huge thankyou to @alexaroblesgil.bsky.social for covering our research in the Marshall Islands for the @nytimes.com !
In the photo Ken Daniels (an expert indigenous sailor) is looking towards the horizon whilst wearing an fNIRS system.
Analysis underway!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/s...
In the photo Ken Daniels (an expert indigenous sailor) is looking towards the horizon whilst wearing an fNIRS system.
Analysis underway!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/s...
A Voyage Into the Art of Finding One’s Way at Sea
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
A huge thankyou to @alexaroblesgil.bsky.social for covering our research in the Marshall Islands for the @nytimes.com !
In the photo Ken Daniels (an expert indigenous sailor) is looking towards the horizon whilst wearing an fNIRS system.
Analysis underway!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/s...
In the photo Ken Daniels (an expert indigenous sailor) is looking towards the horizon whilst wearing an fNIRS system.
Analysis underway!
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/s...
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
PLEASE SHARE
🚨🚨 6-month RA position available at the Univ. of St Andrews to work with Sue Healy (@cogwild.bsky.social), Simone Meddle (@simonemeddle.bsky.social) and I on the behavioural neuroendocrinology of early reproduction in zebra finches.
tinyurl.com/577cx9tj
Deadline: 03/12/2025
⬇️
🚨🚨 6-month RA position available at the Univ. of St Andrews to work with Sue Healy (@cogwild.bsky.social), Simone Meddle (@simonemeddle.bsky.social) and I on the behavioural neuroendocrinology of early reproduction in zebra finches.
tinyurl.com/577cx9tj
Deadline: 03/12/2025
⬇️
November 19, 2025 at 6:23 PM
PLEASE SHARE
🚨🚨 6-month RA position available at the Univ. of St Andrews to work with Sue Healy (@cogwild.bsky.social), Simone Meddle (@simonemeddle.bsky.social) and I on the behavioural neuroendocrinology of early reproduction in zebra finches.
tinyurl.com/577cx9tj
Deadline: 03/12/2025
⬇️
🚨🚨 6-month RA position available at the Univ. of St Andrews to work with Sue Healy (@cogwild.bsky.social), Simone Meddle (@simonemeddle.bsky.social) and I on the behavioural neuroendocrinology of early reproduction in zebra finches.
tinyurl.com/577cx9tj
Deadline: 03/12/2025
⬇️
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
Annual Meeting coming up in Grünau in February - don't miss out!
📢 #Ethology2026 – A Double Event
Join us for:
• Ethologische Gesellschaft Annual Meeting, 18–21 Feb, Grünau
• DK Symposium: Cognition & Communication, 23–24 Feb, Vienna
A full week of ethology, cognition, and communication.
univie.eventsair.com/etho26-dkcog...
@ethoges.bsky.social @univie.ac.at
Join us for:
• Ethologische Gesellschaft Annual Meeting, 18–21 Feb, Grünau
• DK Symposium: Cognition & Communication, 23–24 Feb, Vienna
A full week of ethology, cognition, and communication.
univie.eventsair.com/etho26-dkcog...
@ethoges.bsky.social @univie.ac.at
November 19, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Annual Meeting coming up in Grünau in February - don't miss out!
Reposted by Thomas MacGillavry
This is vile. Local guy speaks to Sky News about the impact of asylum seekers protests. Watch what happens and share widely
September 3, 2025 at 10:33 PM
This is vile. Local guy speaks to Sky News about the impact of asylum seekers protests. Watch what happens and share widely