Sebastian Sosa

Sebastian Sosa is a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology's Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture. He holds a PhD in Ethology and has held postdoctoral positions at institutions including the University of Strasbourg and Sun Yat-Sen University. His research focuses on animal social networks, particularly mechanisms underlying social structure formation and their evolutionary implications. He employs advanced statistical and network analysis methods, including the development of the ANTs R package for social network analysis.

Education:

• PhD (summa cum laude) in Ethology, Primatology & Social Network, University of Barcelona (2010–2014)
• Master's in Human and Animal Behaviour, University of Rennes I (2009–2010)
• Master's in Ethology, University of Paris XIII (2008–2009)
• Bachelor's in Biology, Paul Sabatier University (2007–2008)

Research Interests:

Dr. Sosa investigates how ecological and social factors shape animal societies, using multilevel methodologies to analyze affiliative and agonistic interactions. His work integrates field observations, statistical modeling, and network theory to understand group dynamics, hierarchical organization, and adaptive strategies in species ranging from primates to cattle. Recent studies emphasize the role of social networks in stress physiology, multilevel societies, and the impact of anthropogenic interventions on animal behavior.

Publications:

His research spans topics like telomere dynamics in ground squirrels, social network analysis methodologies, and the application of drone technology in behavioral studies. Over 30 peer-reviewed articles reflect his interdisciplinary approach, with a focus on primatology, ecology, and quantitative biology.

Awards & Grants:

• GDR grant (2018): 1,000€ for Sunbelt Conference participation
• ESA cover credit (2021): Ecological Society of America

Advising & Teaching:

Supervised master's students on projects like cascading aggression effects in zebra finches and multilevel horse societies. Taught courses on social network analysis and field data collection methods.

Labs & Collaborations:

Co-developed the ANTs R package, a widely used toolkit for animal social network analysis. Collaborates globally on primate behavior, macaque social styles, and cattle management.