Latéralité sociale: approche comparative chez l’homme et chez les primates non-humains

Un sujet de thèse portant sur la latéralité sociale est proposé dans le cadre de l'école doctorale de l'université de Rennes1.

La latéralité sociale est au cœur de deux théories très actuelles portant (1) sur l’évolution de la latéralité au niveau populationnel et (2) sur l’évolution du langage. Des travaux récents suggèrent que la latéralisation cérébrale est plus ancienne que prévue et a pu évoluer dans un premier temps pour les processus perceptuels, comme la vision. La latéralité visuelle, à travers la latéralité sociale, est actuellement considérée comme la clef des asymétries comportementales au niveau de la population (Vallortigara et Rogers 2005). De plus, la latéralité sociale et plus précisément la latéralité des gestes communicatifs chez les grands singes, est également mise en avant pour expliquer l’évolution du langage (Corballis 2002). Cette thèse bénéficiera d'un soutient financier de l'ANR (2009-2012: "Latéralité manuelle chez l'enfant et le primate pour les manipulations d'objets et la communication gestuelle").
Ce travail comprendra 2 parties complémentaires. Dans un premier temps, des gestes communicatifs seront recherchés chez les primates non-humains, plus particulièrement chez les cercocèbes. Nous testerons l’hypothèse émis par Corballis (2002) selon laquelle l’origine du langage est à rechercher dans la communication gestuelle. Après avoir vérifié que la latéralité perceptuelle est plus marquée la latéralité motrice, nous nous intéresserons au rôle joué par la socialité sur la latéralité au niveau populationnel. En nous basant sur l’étude de différentes formes de latéralité (motrice et/ou perceptuelle dont la latéralité sociale) chez des espèces de primates humains et non-humains de différents niveaux de socialité, nous testerons si ce facteur social est le facteur clef de la lateralité au niveau populationnel.

Personne à contacter pour plus de renseignement : Catherine Blois-Heulin : catherine.blois-heulin@univ-rennes1.fr


Cordialement
C. Blois-Heulin
UMR 6552
Station Biologique
35380 Paimpont

http://www.ethos.univ-rennes1.fr/

Integrative ecology, psychology and neurobiology within a food-hoarding paradigm

Integrative ecology, psychology and neurobiology within a food-hoarding paradigm, compiled and edited by Tom Smulders and Vladimir Pravosudov is now available online.

A number of animal species collect and store food for later consumption. Many of these species hide individual food items in different locations, a behaviour called "scatter hoarding". The study
of these species has, over the past 30 years, provided new insights into a range of scientific disciplines: from the study of plant dispersal to the study of how and why the brain generates new nerve cells in adulthood.

In Integrative ecology, psychology and neurobiology within a food-hoarding paradigm, a special issue of Philosophical Transactions B, world experts in the field summarize the contributions made to science by the study of food-hoarding behaviour.

More details and all articles can be found at:
http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/site/2010/food_hoarding.xhtml

PROFESSOR/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/SENIOR LECTURER - ENTOMOLOGY

A PhD in Entomology or a related field. Experience in university teaching, research, publication in rated journals and fund raising for research is essential. The successful candidate should be prepared to teach a wide range of courses in Entomology, and is expected to conduct research that generates research publications in accredited academic journals. Areas of entomological specialization include (but are not restricted to) applied entomology; forensic entomology; insect evolution, phylogenetics, biogeography and/or population genetics; conservation biology; insect ecophysiology and behavioural ecology.

Teach modules at both undergraduate and honours levels. Initiate and supervise postgraduate students’ research and training in the department and contribute to capacity building. Participate in normal administrative duties necessary for the smooth running of the department. Seek research funding, and conduct own research.

For further information, contact Dr Emmanuel Do Linh San at tel. +27 (0)40 602 2601 or e-mail: edolinhsan@ufh.ac.za

The University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity employer, committed to affirmative action.

Competitive salary packages will be negotiated with the successful applicants. Appointment will be made at a level commensurate with academic experience.

Please send or fax an expression of interest, a comprehensive CV, the names and addresses of three work-related referees and certified copies of academic qualifications to the HR Practitioner: Science and Agriculture, Human Resources Department, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700. Tel: +27 (0)40 602 2471. Fax: +27 (0)86 602 2384. E-mail: choho@ufh.ac.za

Deadline: 16 April 2010

REDD Project Manager

Hiring Organization:
Wildlife Conservation Society

Date Posted:
2010-03-25

Position Description:
Terms of Reference: Albertine Rift REDD Project Manager

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Albertine Rift program seeks a REDD project manager with expertise in forestry carbon project development to undertake the technical analyses needed to launch forest carbon projects (REDD) primarily in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically the REDD project manager will be responsible for completing a Project Design Document (PDD) for specific projects as well as support development of forest carbon feasibility studies in four landscapes in Eastern DRC and Uganda. The position will be based in the town of Beni, in the DRC, but will initially be based in Kampala, Uganda. The position is for 24 months with possibility of extension.

The main responsibility of the Albertine Rift REDD project manager will be to lead the development of a REDD project in the Mt Hoyo Virunga landscape in Eastern DRC. This project is funded through the Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBFF) and aims to generate carbon credits under the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Climate, Communities and Biodiversity Alliance standard (CCBA). The REDD project manager will lead in the project design, data collection, and technical analysis needed to complete a project design document (PDD) for VCS and CCBA.

In addition, the REDD project manager will help lead the analysis for three feasibility studies: One in the Misotshi-Kabogo massif (originally called Kabobo) in Eastern DRC, one in Itombwe massif ; the other in Murchison-Semuliki landscape in Western Uganda.

He/she will be conduct the following tasks:
• Identify appropriate areas for REDD based on the conservation priorities, and a consideration of project additionality and confirming to VCS requirements
• Design field survey and organize teams for biomass inventory collection and ground truthing.
• Develop an assessment of carbon stocks across the landscape, based on existing information and land-use maps.
• Evaluate socio-economic data to assess drivers of deforestation
• Work with remote sensing team to review drivers of deforestation, evaluate historic deforestation
• Hold meetings with local stakeholder communities to explain the project and ensure achievement of any necessary agreements/contracts related to boundaries and management commitments.
• Develop baseline scenarios of deforestation and calculate potential emission reductions (Note: Remote sensing work will be led by a technical specialist in the US.)
• Lead the writing of the Project Design Document for VCS and CCBA and the feasibility reports
• Coordinate with the WCS Forest Carbon Team, Government agencies and stakeholder to identify and development mechanisms for the distribution of REDD benefits
• Coordinate with the WCS team in Kinshasa and with the WCS Central African REDD Technical Advisor to ensure that project activities effectively link to broader national REDD policy.

Qualifications/Experience:
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position has a strong knowledge of REDD and REDD project development experience. Candidates will have a minimum of a Masters degree in forestry or related field (e.g. conservation biology, geography, economics), along with relevant work experience in forestry or related field. Experience managing climate change , ecosystem service payment (PES), or forestry projects generally and REDD in particular, is an advantage. Additional skills include remote sensing, modelling, budgeting, project management, fieldwork, and statistical analysis. Candidates with fluency in French and interest in Central or East Africa are encouraged.

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply by sending an application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three referees to Marisa Arpels at marpels@wcs.org.
For more information about Wildlife Conservation Society and Climate Change and Conservation Finance, please visit our website at: http://www.wcs.org

Application Deadline:
May 24, 2010

Contact Information:
Marisa Arpels
2300 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10460
USA

Website:
http://www.wcs.org

E-mail Address:
marpels@wcs.org

Offre de CDD 5-6 mois

Offre de CDD 5-6 mois
à l'INRA de Sophia-Antiopolis
(43°36'45.56"N, 7° 4'41.14"E)


Nature du poste : échantillonnage d'insectes en France méditerranéenne. Le CDD recruté sera intégré à deux programmes de recherche de biologie des populations financés par l'ANR Biodiversité et la FRB. Le travail consistera à contribuer à l'échantillonnage d'insectes parasitoïdes sur la Côte d'Azur au cours de l'été, puis dans des oliveraies de la zone méditerranéenne française au cours de l'automne. Une petite contribution à l'élevage d'insectes sera également demandée.


Pré-requis : une connaissance des insectes est un avantage mais n'est pas un pré-requis obligatoire. Les qualités recherchées sont la rigueur et la motivation, notamment pour le travail de terrain. Il est nécessaire d'avoir le permis de conduire et d'être prêt à se déplacer fréquemment, ainsi que d'avoir une certaine souplesse en ce qui concerne les horaires de travail.


Durée : 5 ou 6 mois de juin à octobre-novembre 2010.


Niveau : les niveau de recrutement possible vont de bac+2 (minimum) à bac+5 (maximum).


Salaire mensuel brut : entre 1543 € et 2013 € selon le diplôme et l'expérience.


Pour postuler : envoyer CV + lettre de motivation avant le 30 avril 2010 à xavier.fauvergue@sophia.inra.fr

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Workshop on Biology of Social Cognition

July 14 - 20, 2010
Application Deadline: April 15, 2010

Arranged by: David Skuse & Jason Mitchell

The past few years have seen remarkable advances in our knowledge of the genetic, molecular, and neural factors that contribute to social behavior. At the same time, sophisticated analytical and theoretical approaches have helped to make sense of the data. This week-long workshop aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these topics. Whilst the emphasis will be on social cognition in humans, there will also be study days dedicated to state-of-the-art presentations on comparative approaches and evolutionary models. Finally, all themes will be related to the clinical consequences of dysfunctional social cognition, and the role of translational research.

The workshop will include introductory seminars on key themes, offered every morning. There will be afternoons devoted largely to practical sessions that provide hands-on experiments in consultation with seminar leaders, rounded off by after-supper keynote lectures by leading scientists that reflect cutting-edge and future views related to our theme for that day.

Please pass this along to colleagues or members of your laboratory or group who may benefit from this training. A diverse faculty will bring the most up-to-date results and theories to the students, making this workshop a valuable resource for young researchers starting out in this fast-moving and expansive field.

The workshop will be held at the Laboratory’s Banbury Conference Center located on the north shore of Long Island. All participants stay in easy walk of the Center, close to tennis courts, pool and private beach. Ample breaks will allow time not only for informal interactions between lecturers and students, but also for reading, swimming, tennis and other outdoor activities available at the Center.