Vincent Janik

Prof Vincent Janik is a Professor in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, with affiliations to the Sea Mammal Research Unit and Scottish Oceans Institute. His research focuses on the evolution of communication complexity in animals, particularly bottlenose dolphins. He investigates environmental constraints on acoustic communication and cognitive skills required to overcome them.

Education: PhD from University of St Andrews.

Research Interests: Animal communication systems, vocal learning in marine mammals, cognitive skills in dolphins, and the impact of environmental factors on acoustic behavior. His work combines field studies with lab-based analysis to explore how communication complexity influences social interactions.

Awards: Fellow of the Collegium Budapest (2003), McCurdy Scholarship (Duke University Marine Laboratory, 2015).

Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD students including Rosie Day and Wendi Fellner. Leads projects on acoustic deterrents for marine mammals and explores the evolution of positive emotions in intelligent species through grants like the Templeton World Charity Foundation funding (2021–2024).

Labs/Teams: Part of the Bioacoustics group and Marine Alliance for Science & Technology Scotland (MASTS).