Bernd J. Riedstra

Dr. Bernd J. Riedstra is a Lecturer in the Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Development & Behaviour within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. His research focuses on the intersection of behavioral neuroscience, physiology, and evolutionary biology, with particular expertise in animal behavior, laterality, and the effects of maternal hormones on offspring development.

Dr. Riedstra's research interests center on understanding the biological bases of behavior, particularly in avian and fish models. His work investigates how maternal androgens influence embryonic development and subsequent behavioral traits, the relationship between brain lateralization and personality, and the ecological and evolutionary implications of these phenomena. He employs a multidisciplinary approach combining endocrinology, developmental biology, and behavioral ecology to address fundamental questions about the mechanisms underlying behavioral variation in natural populations.

Analysis of Dr. Riedstra's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the effects of maternal hormones on offspring development and behavior, particularly in birds and fish. His research demonstrates how maternal androgens shape embryonic development and subsequent behavioral traits like boldness, exploration, and lateralization. A recurring theme is the investigation of how environmental factors interact with biological predispositions to shape behavioral phenotypes, with implications for understanding evolutionary processes and animal welfare.

Dr. Riedstra has supervised at least two students and has been involved in multiple collaborative research projects. His datasets are widely shared through repositories like DRYAD, figshare, and DataverseNL, demonstrating his commitment to open science practices.

His laboratory work primarily involves research with avian species (particularly Gallus gallus and Columba livia) and fish models (particularly sticklebacks and rainbowfish), examining the developmental, physiological, and behavioral consequences of hormonal and environmental factors.