Murray Lecture: Crowd Control - The Principles of Collective Behaviour
8 August 2012
Professor Iain D. Couzin (Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, USA) presents the 2012 Murray Lecture.
Collective organisation is everywhere, both around us and within us. Our brains are composed of billions of interconnected cells communicating with chemical and electrical signals. We are integrated in our own collective human society. Elsewhere in the natural world a flock of birds arcs and ripples while descending to roost, and a fish school convulses, as if it is a single entity, when attacked by a predator. How can animal groups move in unison? How does individual behaviour produce group dynamics? Do animal groups function as a "collective mind"? In his lecture Iain Couzin will provide a visual guide to his research on the principles of collective behaviour in crowds, flocks, schools and swarms including the critical role that uninformed, or weakly-opinionated, individuals play in democratic consensus decision-making.
The lecture will be followed by a variety of related interactive demonstrations and experiments as well as a cocktail reception. Bookings are essential.
To make a booking, fill out the online booking form or email email@example.com with your name, the names of the lecture you wish to attend, and number of seats required (limited to 5 per booking except for School groups). Bookings can also be made by calling (02) 9351 3021 between 10am and 3pm.
Time: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Location: Eastern Avenue Auditorium
Contact: Cecily Oakley