Evidence of lateralization in communicative gestures in several primate species in captivity

Our research group is seeking a motivated Master’s student to join a project investigating gestural communication and lateralization in non-human primates. The study will examine lateralization in communicative gestures across several primate species housed in wildlife centers. Specifically, it aims to quantify lateralization at individual and population levels, assess the influence of rearing conditions on motor asymmetry, and explore potential evolutionary patterns of gestural lateralization across diverse taxa. The field of gestural communication is taxonomically biased: most research has focused on chimpanzees and other great apes, with fewer studies on African and Asian monkeys and only scarce investigations on neotropical monkeys. Broadening the taxonomic scope is essential to identify shared evolutionary traits and species-specific adaptations shaped by ecological, social, and phylogenetic factors. While previous studies have primarily described gestural repertoires and contexts, lateralization in communicative gestures has been examined in only a few species. The selected student will work within a multidisciplinary team composed of experts in primatology, developmental psychology, and psycholinguistics, benefiting from cross- disciplinary mentoring and training in advanced observational techniques, behavioral coding, and the analysis of gestural repertoires and lateralization patterns. The project’s findings are expected to provide novel insights into the neural and cognitive bases of gestural asymmetry and its evolutionary significance. We particularly welcome students with backgrounds or strong interests in psychology, cognitive science, primatology or language sciences. Prior experience in qualitative or quantitative research methods will be considered an asset. The internship can be arranged in various formats, ranging from fully on-site to fully remote, depending on the project and the circumstances of the selected candidate. Funding opportunities may also be available through the ERASMUS+ program. If you are interested in joining this innovative research initiative, please contact us at comparativeminds@udg.edu with your CV and your academic transcripts. More about our research group: Comparative Minds is an interdisciplinary research group within the Department of Psychology at the University of Girona (Girona, Spain) that brings together various fields, including Comparative Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Linguistics. Its research aims to address some of the fundamental questions concerning behavior, cognition, and communication, both in non- human animals and in humans. If you choose to join us, you will become part of a dynamic and supportive research community where your growth truly matters. You will benefit from close, personalized supervision that will guide you not only through your research and dissertation, but also equip you with valuable skills and training to boost your professional development and open doors for your future career.