Jacob M. Graving

Jacob M. Graving is a Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, working in the Advanced Research Technology (ART) Unit within Central Scientific Services. Based in Konstanz, Germany, he focuses on developing advanced computational methods for measuring and analyzing animal behavior in both laboratory and field environments.

Dr. Graving's research spans the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and animal behavior. His work combines computer vision, deep learning, and Bayesian statistical methods to create scalable, interpretable tools for behavioral analysis. He collaborates extensively with neuroscientists, biologists, physicists, and engineers to develop end-to-end pipelines from experimental design to computational analysis. A central theme in his research is building AI systems that go beyond prediction to test hypotheses and reveal scientific mechanisms.

His publication record shows consistent contributions to understanding collective animal behavior, with recent work on locust swarming mechanisms challenging traditional alignment-based theories. His research demonstrates how AI can be used not just for prediction but for hypothesis testing and revealing underlying biological mechanisms.

Dr. Graving leads the development of open-source tools like DeepPoseKit, which has been featured in prestigious outlets including Quanta Magazine, Nature Methods, and Nature News & Views. His work on drone-based tracking systems and automated barcode systems for animal tracking demonstrates his commitment to developing practical, field-deployable technologies.

He maintains active engagement with the scientific community through GitHub, Bluesky, and academic conferences, reflecting his dedication to open science and interdisciplinary collaboration.