Socio-ecology of active matter: two experiments with fish

Statistical Physics and Complexity Group meeting

Socio-ecology of active matter: two experiments with fish

  • Event time: 10:00am until 11:00am
  • Event date: 26th May 2021
  • Speaker: (University of Bath)
  • Location: Online - see email.

Event details

Understanding the collective motion of groups of animals has been a long-standing goal of active matter research. Classical swarming and flocking models consider large homogeneous groups of agents governed by simple rules which are capable of producing startling emergent behaviours. Looking closer, however, there is a disconnect between these models and what can be observed in experiments tracking individuals within groups. In this talk I will discuss two features – the speed of information flow, and differing motivations of individuals – that have been observed to have profound effects on the collective motion of fish. In each case developing theoretical frameworks to explain experimental observations and make new predictions.