PhD Studentship: Cutting The Cost of War: The Resolution of Inter-group Conflict in Kalahari Meerkats

Background 

Avoiding wars and minimizing the harm they do is a key goal for humanity in the coming century. In the wild, rival social groups of animals also engage in battles over territories, yet these rarely escalate to the levels of violence seen in humans. How do these animal groups resolve their differences and minimize violent escalation? It is likely they have evolved behavioural strategies to avoid violent escalation, but these have not been explored in detail. Insights into these strategies will enhance our understanding of social evolution, and could inform conflict resolution in our own societies. 

Research Approach 

The Kalahari Meerkat Project (KMP) provides an opportunity for an exciting PhD to fill this knowledge gap. You will combine observations of wild meerkats at our field site in South Africa, theoretical modelling of optimal behaviour, and statistical analysis of existing data, to address the following research questions: 

1. How do rival groups assess their chance of victory, and avoid engaging in bloody battles they cannot win? 
2. Can inter-group signalling avoid costly battles, or help groups enhance their chance of victory?
3. Do groups weaken their opponents in advance, to ensure victory in future battles?

There will be many opportunities to pursue your own novel research directions, by developing new theoretical models and collecting empirical data. 

Research Environment and Training

At UEA you will join a diverse, supportive research group working across evolution, ecology and conservation, and be embedded in a vibrant ARIES PhD cohort. You will also join the international community of researchers at the KMP, and attend yearly meetings with them to share results and network. You will gain diverse skills including field techniques (radio-tracking, animal handling and behavioural observation), working with large databases in SQL/R, statistical analysis (mixed models, Bayesian statistics), theoretical modelling, a deep understanding of evolutionary ecology, critical thinking, scientific writing, and science communication. Training to enhance your transferable skills and employability will also be provided. 

Preferred skills: field observation of wild animal behaviour, handling/statistical analysis of behavioural data in SQL/R, driving licence because some meerkat groups are remote and cannot be accessed by other means. 

Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related subject.

Start Date: 1 October 2025

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

ARIES is awaiting confirmation of funding under the BBSRC-NERC DLA award scheme, which is expected shortly. Funding for this studentship is subject to this confirmation and UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded ARIES studentship of fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research costs. 

A limited number of ARIES studentships are available to International applicants. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK. 

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status. Projects have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment.

Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, with equal weighting given to experience and potential. 

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk

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