Marta Manser

Marta Manser is a Full Professor in Animal Behaviour at the University of Zurich's Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies. She holds the position of Co-Director and has been at the University of Zurich since 2002, progressing from Assistant Professor to her current role. Her research focuses on animal communication, behavioral ecology, and social dynamics in mammals like meerkats and mongooses. Manser's work integrates field studies with acoustic analysis to understand how animals coordinate group behavior, convey information through vocalizations, and adapt to environmental challenges.

Education: Manser earned a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Cambridge (1994), an M.Sc. from the University of Basel (1992), and undergraduate studies in Biology at the same institution (1988). She completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania (1998). Her academic roles include:

• Full Professor (2015–present)
• Associate Professor (2008–2015)
• SNF Förderprofessur (2002)

Research Interests: Her studies explore communication mechanisms, predator avoidance strategies, vocal complexity, and cooperative breeding systems. Key themes include how meerkats use acoustic signals for group coordination, the role of hormones in social behavior, and the impact of environmental factors like climate on population dynamics. Manser’s interdisciplinary approach combines behavioral observations, acoustic analysis, and molecular techniques.

Labs/Teams: Manser leads a research group investigating animal communication and collective behavior. Her work is supported by collaborations with institutions globally and has produced influential studies in journals like Biological Reviews and Science.