Find Academic Supervisors

Anssi Laurila is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Genetics, specializing in Animal Ecology at Uppsala University, Sweden. His research integrates evolutionary biology and ecology to explore the mechanisms underlying phenotypic and genetic variation in natural populations, particularly amphibians. His primary research interests include phenotypic plasticity , local adaptation , maternal effects , life-history evolution , and genomic responses to environmental gradients such as latitude, temperature, acidity, and predation. He investigates how populations adapt to heterogeneous environments through both plastic and genetic mechanisms, often using comparative studies across latitudinal clines and contrasting habitats. His work frequently focuses on amphibians like Rana temporaria , Rana arvalis , and Bufo bufo , as well as other ectotherms including freshwater snails and fish. The trends in his recent publications (2020–2025) show a strong emphasis on genomic and transcriptomic analyses of adaptation, host-pathogen interactions (especially with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ), immunogenetics (MHC diversity), conservation genetics of edge populations, and acclimation physiology . His studies often combine field observations with controlled experiments and molecular techniques, contributing to understanding evolutionary responses to climate change and anthropogenic stressors. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Laurila actively collaborates with researchers across Europe and supervises or co-supervises numerous studies, as evidenced by his consistent presence as a senior or corresponding author. While specific grant details are not listed, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests sustained funding for research in evolutionary ecology and conservation. His work has implications for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the context of climate change and emerging infectious diseases. He is involved in research on amphibian microbiomes, thermal adaptation in geothermal systems, and the genetic basis of adaptive traits. His team explores how environmental stressors shape phenotypic and genetic variation, with a focus on understanding the limits and costs of plasticity and adaptation.

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Phenotypic Plasticity
• Local Adaptation
• +12 more

Jonas Beskow is a Professor and Head of Division at the Division of Speech, Music and Hearing at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. His research focuses on multimodal interaction, speech synthesis, robotics, and human-robot interaction. He leads the Learning style variation in nonverbal behaviour for social robots and agents project as part of Digital Futures, a cross-disciplinary research center. His work involves developing social robots like the Furhat head and advancing technologies for gesture synthesis, audio-driven motion, and adaptive intelligent systems. He holds roles as Co-PI for the Advanced Adaptive Intelligent Systems (AAIS) and Adaptive Intelligent Homes (AIH) projects. His research spans robotics, computer graphics, and clinical applications such as dementia detection through multimodal patient behavior analysis. Beskow also contributes to educational initiatives, supervising courses in computer science and engineering, including degree projects in machine learning and systems engineering. Publications highlight innovations in gesture generation, speech-driven animation, and socially-aware robotics. Collaborations with institutions like Stockholm University and RISE Research Institutes drive interdisciplinary solutions. His work bridges artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and assistive technologies, emphasizing ethical and societal impacts of emerging digital systems.

• Multimodal Interaction
• Speech Synthesis
• Robotics
• +3 more

Rie Henriksen is an Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), where she leads the Henriksen Group focused on the genetic and epigenetic basis of avian brain structure and behavior. She is also a key member of the AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology research group. Research Interests: Her work centers on understanding individual variation in behavior and brain composition, particularly in chickens and red junglefowl. She investigates how prenatal stress and genetic differences contribute to stress resilience and behavioral complexity. Her research has direct applications in poultry welfare and evolutionary biology. Publication Trends: Recent publications highlight her expertise in epigenetics, domestication, brain evolution, and animal welfare. Her work combines genomics, neuroanatomy, and ethology, often using wild and domestic avian models to explore fundamental questions in behavioral genomics. Scientific Awards: Formas Research Council Grant (shared among ten researchers at LiU, including Henriksen) Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, she leads an active research group and has secured competitive funding, such as from Formas, supporting research into sustainable development and animal welfare. Her team conducts mechanistic studies on maternal stress and genetic architecture. Labs and Teams: She leads the Henriksen Group , which investigates the genetic architecture of brain structure using chicken models. She is also part of the broader AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group at Linköping University, fostering interdisciplinary research on behavior and physiology.

• Behavioral Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +12 more

Anna Lombardi is an Associate Professor at the Department of Science and Technology (ITN) of Linköping University, Sweden. She is responsible for courses in control systems across engineering programs at Campus Norrköping. She holds a Master's (1992) and PhD (1996) in Control Systems from Università di Firenze, Italy, with prior research at the Neural Network Group at Università di Firenze and Università di Siena. Her research focuses on predictive control, neural networks, and modeling biological systems. Key contributions include controllability analysis of networks and community structures in complex systems. She collaborates internationally, as seen in co-authored works with institutions like DII of Università di Siena and the ISMIS conference. Her academic affiliations include Physics, Electronics, and Mathematics at Linköping University. No specific grants or awards are listed in the provided texts, though her work reflects sustained engagement in interdisciplinary technical research.

• Predictive Control
• Neural Networks
• Control Systems
• +3 more

Ivo Jacobs is a Researcher at the Department of Philosophy, Lund University, specializing in Cognitive Science within the Faculty of Humanities and Theology. He is affiliated with the LUCS Cognitive Zoology Group and the LU Profile Area: Natural and Artificial Cognition. His work is centered at the Lund University Cognitive Science (LUCS) research center, with his office located at Helgonavägen 3, Lund (Room LUX:B476). Dr. Jacobs' research focuses on the evolution of cognition across multiple dimensions - mechanism, development, phylogeny and fitness value - with particular emphasis on crocodilians, palaeognaths (ratites and tinamous), corvids and primates. His work spans three overlapping projects: independent cognitive evolution in primates and corvids; reconstructing the minds of early birds and non-avian dinosaurs; and the origins of pyrocognition (fire-related cognition) in animals, extinct hominins and modern humans. His research output shows significant trends in comparative cognition, particularly examining cognitive similarities and differences across diverse species. His work bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries, connecting zoology, cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and philosophy. Recent publications demonstrate growing interest in pyrocognition and the cognitive implications of fire use throughout evolutionary history. Dr. Jacobs has secured substantial research funding, including a project on pyrocognition funded by the Swedish Research Council (2020-2024). He has served as Principal Investigator for the Pyrocognition project and as Assistant Supervisor for research on the sociality of extinct dinosaurs. His editorial work includes peer-review and editorial roles for journals such as Animal Cognition, Journal of Comparative Psychology, Frontiers in Psychology, and Behavioural Brain Research. His research collaborations span international boundaries, with recent external collaborations across multiple countries. His work has attracted attention across academic platforms, with mentions on X (Twitter), Bluesky, and readership on Mendeley.

• Animal Cognition
• Comparative Psychology
• Cognitive Zoology
• +7 more

Christina Hansen Wheat is an Assistant Professor in Animal Behaviour at Linköping University, Sweden, affiliated with the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) and the Biology division. Her research focuses on how behaviour develops and evolves, particularly in the context of domestication, using dogs and wolves as model species. She employs integrative, collaborative approaches grounded in Tinbergen’s Four Questions framework. PhD from Stockholm University Postdoctoral training at Lund University Recipient of a 4-year Early Career Grant from FORMAS Active mentor for PhD and Master’s students Her research interests span animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, domestication, and behavioural ontogeny . She investigates how social environment, physiology, climate, and habitat influence behaviour across species, with a long-standing focus on canids. Her integrative methodology emphasizes comparative studies and developmental perspectives. Christina’s recent publications highlight trends in dog-wolf behavioural comparisons, domestication theory, attachment behaviour, and the ecological potential of dogs in anthropogenic environments . Her work combines experimental design, field observations, and theoretical critique, often challenging misconceptions in the field. She also contributes to conservation science, notably through advocacy against the culling of Swedish wolves. The unfulfilled potential of dogs in behavioural ecology (2025) Attachment behaviour in wolves (2022) Point-following cognition (2023) Domestication syndrome decoupling (2019) Wolf population conservation (2022) She has received significant recognition, including: FORMAS Early Career Grant Swedish Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship Christina actively supervises graduate students and is currently recruiting a PhD student in animal behaviour. Her research is supported by external funding and international collaborations, particularly with Clive D.L. Wynne and Wouter van der Bijl. She leads a research group focused on behavioural ontogeny in dogs, with strong ties to broader ethology and evolutionary biology networks. She is also a vocal advocate for scientific integrity and open discourse in science.

• Animal Behaviour
• Behavioural Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +7 more

Marcus Persson is an Associate Professor (Docent) at Linköping University's Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL), within the Division of Education and Sociology (APS). His research focuses on socio-material interactions between technology and work, particularly in elderly care and AI applications. He examines how digital tools reshape work environments, caregiving dynamics, and social relationships. Research interests include the ethical implications of robotic animals in dementia care, automation's impact on HR practices, and the sociological dimensions of digital welfare technology. Persson leads the Nordic research group 'Robots and AI in Working Life' (RAiW), advancing knowledge on robotization and AI in workplaces. He also serves as Editor for Sociologisk Forskning . Key projects explore caregiver competencies with digital tools, emotional labor in tech-mediated care, and gendered effects of workplace automation. His work bridges sociology with healthcare ethics, emphasizing organizational adaptation to technological change.

• Digital Sociology
• Technology and Work
• Elderly Care
• +3 more

Lisa Ferm is an Associate Professor at Linköping University's Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL), within the Division of Education and Sociology (APS). Her research focuses on sociology of work, vocational education, organizational behavior, and gender studies. She contributes to projects like municipal crisis preparedness leadership and robotic animals in dementia care. Her research interests include leadership dynamics, gender aspects in vocational training, and the integration of technology in healthcare. Notable projects involve analyzing caregiver competences in dementia care and exploring professional identities in HR practices. She is affiliated with the HELIX Competence Centre and GROWL: Greening of Working Life research groups. Recent publications highlight themes such as vocational students' identity formation in male-dominated fields, the role of robotic animals in elderly care, and future trajectories in sociology. Her work addresses critical issues in education, workplace equality, and societal transitions.

• Sociology of Work
• Vocational Education
• Organizational Behavior
• +3 more

Dominic Wright is a Professor in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) at Linköping University, Sweden. He leads research in the AVIAN – Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, focusing on the genetic and genomic underpinnings of animal behavior, particularly in the context of domestication and feralization. His work integrates advanced genetic mapping techniques with behavioral analysis across species. His research interests center on evolutionary genetics, especially how domestication has shaped animal behavior, physiology, and morphology. Using Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) and expression QTL (eQTL) mapping in intercross lines between domesticated chickens and their wild ancestors, he investigates traits such as anxiety, sociality, brain size, comb size, and coloration. His lab has demonstrated that genes influencing anxiety in chickens are evolutionarily conserved and may also play roles in human psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Research on feral chickens in Hawaii has revealed distinct genomic responses during feralization, offering insights into the 'reverse' of domestication. Additionally, his team has challenged long-standing assumptions about brain-to-body scaling by showing that brain and body size can be genetically decoupled in domesticated chickens. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in behavioral genomics, particularly in vocalization, tameness, and social networks in poultry. These studies employ sophisticated genetic models and cross-species validation, including work in mice and fruit flies, underscoring the broad applicability of the domestication model. His research often bridges molecular genetics with organismal behavior, contributing to both fundamental evolutionary theory and translational applications in medicine and agriculture. Scientific Awards: None explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dominic Wright advises students and researchers within the AVIAN group and has secured funding through national and international collaborations, including SciLifeLab Linköping. His lab operates at the intersection of genomics, behavior, and evolution, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for gene expression and phenotypic analysis. While specific grant details are not listed, his sustained research output and leadership in high-profile studies indicate active grant support. He collaborates with researchers such as Per Jensen, Eben Gering, and others across institutions. He leads the Wright Lab (wrightlab.se), which is embedded within the AVIAN research group at Linköping University. The lab focuses on experimental evolution, behavioral assays, and genomic analysis using chicken models. The team employs advanced intercross lines, epigenetic profiling, and cross-species genetic validation to explore conserved behavioral mechanisms. Their work is supported by in-house facilities capable of full transcriptomic analysis, including brain region-specific gene expression.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Genomics
• Genetics of Domestication
• +12 more

Lina Roth is a Senior Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Linköping University, Sweden. Her research centers on animal behavior, human-animal interaction, and the physiological and behavioral impacts of domestication, particularly in dogs and horses. She holds a PhD from Lund University on color vision in vertebrates and is a key member of the AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology research group, led by Professor Per Jensen. Her work integrates ethology, endocrinology, and genomics to explore how long-term stress synchronizes between dogs and their owners, how rehoming affects canine welfare, and how training methods influence horse behavior. Her research interests include: Human-dog and human-horse relationships Long-term stress measurement via hair cortisol Behavioral effects of domestication Positive reinforcement training Interspecific communication and synchronization The recent publications show a strong trend toward understanding the emotional and physiological alignment between humans and companion animals, with a focus on breed-specific responses, rehoming resilience, and the animal’s perspective in human interactions. Her work increasingly uses biomarkers like cortisol to quantify chronic stress in both dogs and horses. Scientific contributions include: Demonstrating that dogs mirror their owners' long-term stress, especially in herding breeds Showing that rehomed dogs can form strong bonds with new owners Revealing that horses do not strongly differentiate between owners and strangers in stress contexts Investigating visual capabilities in dogs, horses, chickens, and geckos Lina Roth has advised and collaborated with numerous researchers and students, contributing to large-scale studies on dog behavior and welfare. Her lab engages in interdisciplinary projects involving genetics, endocrinology, and behavioral observation. While no formal grants are listed, her continuous publication output suggests active funding and research support. She is actively involved in public outreach, with several popular science articles summarizing her findings.

• Animal Behavior
• Ethology
• Human-Animal Interaction
• +7 more

John Lees serves as a Researcher in the Department of Organismal Biology; Physiology and Environmental Toxicology at Uppsala University's Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), where he investigates physiological and morphological constraints on species adaptation using molecular, biomechanical, and physiological techniques. His work primarily employs avian models but seeks broadly applicable biological principles. Lees' research centers on metabolism and biomechanics, examining how environmental stressors influence adaptation, behavior, and physiological responses. His methodology integrates epigenetic analysis, metabolic measurement, and biomechanical testing to uncover fundamental rules governing vertebrate biology, with particular emphasis on energy regulation, locomotion mechanics, and stress-induced molecular changes in birds. Analysis of his 2010-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on avian physiology and biomechanics, evolving from locomotion energetics in extreme environments (e.g., Svalbard ptarmigan winter adaptation) toward molecular mechanisms like mitoepigenomic stress responses and fasting-induced gene expression changes. His work demonstrates increasing integration of genomics with whole-organism physiology while maintaining core biomechanical investigations of flight and terrestrial movement. Based at Uppsala's Evolutionary Biology Centre, Lees collaborates across disciplines including genomics, neuroendocrinology, and aerodynamics, as evidenced by co-authorship patterns. His research environment supports integrative studies of environmental interactions, leveraging both field measurements and laboratory techniques to address fundamental questions in organismal biology.

• Biomechanics
• Metabolism
• Physiology
• +5 more

Astrid Berg is an Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL) and the Division of Learning, Aesthetics, and Natural Science (LEN) within the Faculty of Educational Sciences. Her research focuses on science and technology education, particularly in early primary education contexts. She leads the Technology and Science Education Research (TESER) unit, exploring innovative teaching methods such as digital animation and programming integration in classrooms. Her work emphasizes children's mechanistic reasoning in chemistry and their understanding of abstract scientific phenomena through hands-on activities. Recent studies include investigations into primary students' conceptions of thermal expansion and their interactions with robots/programming. She has secured SEK 2.5 million in funding from the Swedish Institute for Educational Research for projects on animation tools in chemistry education. Berg collaborates extensively with researchers like Magnus Hultén and Cecilia Axell, publishing in journals such as Chemistry Education Research and Practice and International Journal of Technology and Design Education . Her research bridges disciplinary boundaries between natural sciences, technology education, and pedagogical theory.

• Science Education
• Technology Education
• Chemistry Education
• +3 more

Thomas Rejsenhus Jensen is a Researcher at the Department of Philosophy, Lund University, working within the Cognitive Science program (LUCS) and the Cognitive Zoology Group. His research focuses on comparative cognition, particularly studying social cognitive abilities in birds and crocodylians to understand the evolutionary origins of cognition spanning 325 million years. His primary research interests include: Evolution of social cognition in birds and archosaurs Comparative methods analyzing paleognaths and crocodylians Early archosaurian cognitive abilities reconstruction Cognitive differences between birds and crocodylians Deep-time evolutionary approaches to socio-cognitive skills Analysis of Jensen's publications reveals a cohesive research program examining fundamental socio-cognitive skills like gaze following, play behavior, and acoustic communication across evolutionary timescales. His work bridges zoology, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology, using paleognath birds (rheas, ostriches) and crocodylians as key comparative models to investigate cognitive traits in extinct dinosaurs and early archosaurs. Jensen actively contributes to two major research projects: The Evolution of Minds (2022-2027): Comprehensive study of intelligence evolution using neuroscience, cognitive zoology and paleontology The cradle of avian social cognition (2020-2024): Investigating social behaviors of extinct dinosaurs through extant archosaur relatives He is affiliated with the Cognition & Philosophy VR Lab at Lund University, has participated in the International Society for Behavioral Ecology Congress (2022), and maintains an active research profile with publications in Animal Behaviour, Animal Cognition, and Frontiers in Psychology.

• Cognitive Zoology
• Animal Cognition
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Gabriela-Alina Sauciuc is a Researcher in Cognitive Science at the Department of Philosophy, Lund University. Her work focuses on animal cognition, particularly exploring social cognitive capacities in primates and humans, including predictive cognition, rhythmic communication, and behavioral synchrony. She holds two doctoral degrees: a PhD in Philology (Romance Linguistics) from the University of Bucharest (2006) and a PhD in Cognitive Semiotics from Aarhus University (2012). Current research includes studies on chimpanzees and orangutans at the Lund University Primate Research Station Furuvik, alongside investigations with human infants. Past affiliations include the University of Bucharest (1999–2008), Università degli Studi di Padova (2000–2001), and Århus University (2002–2011). She has received notable awards such as the 2019 Primate Social Impact Award and the 2018 Ig Nobel Prize for her work on cross-species imitation in chimpanzees. Key Projects: Network EvoCoop: Evolutionary Origins of Cooperation (2020–2023) Nature Beats: Animal Rhythmic Behaviours (2022) Her research spans experimental and comparative approaches, integrating insights from zoology, developmental psychology, and neurobiology to understand the evolutionary roots of social cognition.

• Animal Cognition
• Predictive Cognition
• Rhythmic Communication
• +7 more

Jordi Altimiras is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Sweden. He has been a faculty member since 2002 and currently serves as the head of the Biology division. His research is centered on the evolution of heart size in birds, with a focus on physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying cardiac adaptation to environmental challenges. His research interests span comparative physiology, avian genomics, gene expression, and environmental adaptation. He leads the AVIAN - Behavioural Genomics and Physiology research group, which investigates the genetic basis of behavior and physiological performance in birds. A key focus is on species like tinamous, which offer evolutionary insights into the transition from reptilian to avian heart structures. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend in avian physiology, gene regulation under dietary and environmental stress, and the genetic underpinnings of metabolic and behavioral traits. His work combines molecular biology with whole-animal physiology, often using poultry models such as chickens and Red Junglefowl. Scientific Awards: Chief and Leader Award, Linköping University, 2019 Jordi Altimiras has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students and has been involved in international research collaborations, particularly with institutions in Bolivia and Chile. He supports student fieldwork through programs like the Linnaeus-Palme exchange and Minor Field Studies. His research group integrates field data with laboratory-based genomic and physiological analyses. He leads the Biology division at IFM, emphasizing transparent leadership and inclusive decision-making. His group provides opportunities for student research projects involving travel and cross-cultural scientific collaboration.

• Comparative Physiology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Cardiac Physiology
• +7 more