The extent to which animals possess an awareness of death has deep philosophical relevance and clear implications for the study of animal cognition and the ethical treatment of animals. Termed “comparative thanatology”, this growing field of animal cognition research is important but the topic remains difficult to study scientifically and ethically.

The overall aim of this project is to provide a systematic, large-scale, cross-species assessment of the nature of death awareness, exploring both ultimate evolutionary drivers and proximate mechanisms of behaviour across taxa. The methods will include employing phylogenetic modelling to existing cross-species data and observational (opportunistic) behavioural studies of focal species (domestic equids).

To find out more about this project, see the project description on FindaPhD (http://tinyurl.com/mu7hek6b) and contact the lead supervisor at leanne.proops@port.ac.uk before the deadline for applications to discuss the project and your suitability.

This project is advertised as part of a competitively-funded bursary scheme funded by the University of Portsmouth. The project will involve fieldwork (UK and USA), theory, and working with existing data. In addition to the general entry requirements, the successful candidate will have to be sensitive to the ethical implications of this project and be comfortable working on this important but difficult topic.

Deadline for application: 19th January 2024.