Courant Research Centre “Evolution of Social Behaviour” officially opened

Opening ceremony with celebration lecture on the founder of the modern theory of evolution, Charles Darwin
The Courant Research Centre “Evolution of Social Behaviour” established by the University of Göttingen as part of its “Future Concept” in the Excellence Initiative was opened officially on the 12th of February 2009. During the opening ceremony, which took place on the day of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin (1809 to 1882), Prof. Dr. Robert Trivers from the Rutgers University (USA) spoke in his celebration lecture on the British naturalist and founder of the modern theory of evolution. The event was part of a three day convention on the topic “Behavior and Evolution”.

In the Courant Research Centre scientists of the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Centre (DPZ) jointly investigate the question of how the social behaviour of humans has developed in the course of evolution. For this purpose and based on the theory of evolution, primatologists, anthropologists and psychologists research particular behavioural patterns in human and non-human primates under consideration of comparative questions. Here the significance of biological and cultural factors is of particular importance. The research is supported by two junior research groups financed through funds of the Excellence Initiative, who commenced their work last year.


Celebration lecture on the topic “Remembering Charles Darwin”: Prof. Dr. Robert Trivers from the Rutgers University in the USA



Prof. Dr. Peter Kappeler, who, jointly with Prof. Dr. Margarete Boos is the coordinator of the Courant Research Centre “Evolution of Social Behaviour” spoke at the beginning of the opening ceremony. With Prof. Trivers he announced a renowned representative of social and evolutionary biology as guest speaker: in his lecture “Remembering Charles Darwin” the American scientist offered insights into the life and work of Charles Darwin. At the same time he emphasised the importance of behaviour as mechanism of evolution. Accordingly, behavioural characteristics are subject to an evolutionary evaluation. “Both points have already been recognised by Darwin and play a central role in the concept of our Courant Research Centre” added Prof. Kappeler.

In words of welcome the University President Prof. Dr. Kurt von Figura and DPZ Director Prof. Dr. Stefan Treue then also addressed the participants of the event. A further speaker was Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Brauner from the City University of New York (USA), who belongs to the Scientific Council of the Courant Research Centre.


The focus of the convention “Behavior and Evolution” were mechanisms and adaptive value of behavioural characteristics of humans and animals. This fourth conference was hosted by the Ethological Society. According to the organisers from the Courant Research Centre “Evolution of Social Behaviour”, it was attended by approximately 120 scientists from Germany and abroad. The convention programme included around 30 presentations as well as four central lectures. The event offered a forum for the presentation of current research results from the area of behavioural biology and the comparative behaviour research. The range of topics extended in this case from survival strategies of mammals to intraspecific communication as well as coordination and cooperation in complex animal populations.