The Edward Grey Institute at the University of Oxford announces a fully funded DPhil scholarship focused on understanding why certain bird species are more prone to collisions with human-made structures, while others tend to avoid them.
This exciting project, supervised by Prof. Steve Portugal, will take a two-pronged approach:
1. Analyzing the visual fields of various bird species, searching for common traits between those that frequently collide with objects and those that do not
2. Working with 3-4 social bird species in captivity to explore the role of flock mates in visual attention and collision risk
The research will utilize:
- State-of-the-art custom-built flight arena
- Camera tracking and eye-tracking technology
- Zoological collections
- Fieldwork opportunities
- Phylogenetically informed analyses
Key Details:
- Start Date: 1 October 2025
- Duration: 3.5 years (possible extension to 4 years)
- Stipend: £19,237 (2024-25 rate)
- Research Expenses: Up to £5,000 per year
- Location: Department of Biology, University of Oxford
- Co-supervision: Prof. Graham Taylor
The project offers valuable opportunities to acquire both practical and analytical skills, with flexibility for the student to contribute their own ideas.
More information about this and other scholarships can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2zymo46wrav8pz4ekbj65/EGI-Scholarships-for-2025.docx?rlkey=7bzq13cizuo9djr2delvl4xjo&e=1&st=nwlam35m&dl=0
