David Bierbach

David Bierbach is a Guest Scientist in the Department of Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture at Humboldt University of Berlin. He specializes in behavioral ecology with a focus on collective behavior in fish, social responsiveness, and the use of biomimetic robotics in animal behavior studies. His research explores behavioral individuality, anti-predator responses, and eco-evolutionary dynamics using primarily fish models including guppies and other clonal species.

• PhD from Goethe University Frankfurt (2013) with dissertation awarded as best in life sciences
• Postdoctoral work at IGB Berlin since 2013
• Extensive field experience in Mexico, USA, Trinidad, Germany, Benin, and Malaysia

Dr. Bierbach's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms and functions of group-living behavior in fish. His work investigates how social responsiveness affects leadership, how collective behaviors emerge in fish shoals, and how environmental factors shape behavioral development. He has pioneered the use of biomimetic robotic fish to study social interactions in natural settings, with particular focus on how group dynamics affect decision-making, predator avoidance, and reproductive success. His research spans behavioral ecology, evolutionary biology, and animal welfare, with applications to conservation and aquaculture.

His publication record shows strong focus on collective behavior dynamics, particularly fish shoaling and escape responses. Recent work has examined fish waves as anti-predator mechanisms, behavioral individuality in clonal fish systems, and the impact of environmental factors on social behavior. His research often combines field studies with laboratory experiments, increasingly incorporating big data approaches to understand eco-evolutionary patterns.

• DFG research grant 'Eigene Stelle' for robotic fish leadership project (2016)
• Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie research grant (2015)
• Goethe University award for best dissertation in life sciences (2014)
• DAAD travel grant for field research in Borneo (2008)

Dr. Bierbach leads research on collective anti-predator responses and Mexican waves of the Sulphur molly (2019-2021), and previously led the BTypes project on consequences of animal behavioral types. His work has been supported by multiple competitive grants including DFG funding for his 'Eigene Stelle' project exploring social responsiveness using biomimetic robotics. He collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, particularly with Prof. Jens Krause and Dr. Max Wolf at IGB Berlin.

His research group focuses on Mechanisms and Functions of Group-Living Behavioural Biology, conducting both laboratory and field studies on fish behavior. The group employs innovative approaches including biomimetic robotics to study social interactions in natural contexts, with particular emphasis on collective decision-making, leadership dynamics, and anti-predator strategies in fish shoals.