Centre for Evolutionary Biology
Who we are
We are a University of Western Australia Centre of Excellence, delivering excellence in research and research training in the broad field of evolutionary biology. Our research and teaching encompass the fields of animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, physiology, genetics and conservation of animals and plants, in terrestrial and aquatic environments.
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What we do
Our people adopt a multidisciplinary approach to explore selective processes acting on the behavioural, morphological and developmental traits of whole organisms and their gametes. We have particular expertise in animal communication, cognition, predator-prey interactions, visual ecology, reproductive biology, and the genetic mechanisms that underpin adaptation.
Our people
Discover the dedicated researchers who are at the forefront of evolutionary biology, each contributing unique expertise to our multidisciplinary approach.
Explore our research
Sex and evolution
Our research explores how sexual selection drives evolutionary changes through mate competition and mate choice at the whole organism and gametic level. We investigate the mechanisms behind these processes across a range of species, focusing on how traits like coloration, morphology, and sperm characteristics influence reproductive success.
Animal communication
Our research investigates how animal communication establishes dominance, attracts mates, and warns of danger, while being influenced by behaviour and environmental changes like urban noise. We examine how animals adapt their communication to ecological and human-induced challenges across different species.
Cognition
Our research on animal cognition explores how animals perceive and respond to environmental changes, with a focus on animals in the wild. We test cognitive abilities related to survival and reproduction, examine their ecological relevance, and investigate how cognition helps animals adapt to anthropogenic stressors.
Anthropogenic change and conservation
Our research explores how climate change, habitat loss, and pollution impact plant and animal evolution, with a focus on adaptive responses that help animals persist in rapidly changing environments.
Primate evolutionary ecology
Our research explores primate adaptations to harsh environments, the evolution of complex social structures, and how nutrition affects human traits like face shape and health, offering insights into primate evolution and human life history.
Join us
Opportunities for collaborative research are available at all levels, from undergraduate to postdoctoral researchers and sabbatical visitors.
Honours and Masters
Research projects on any aspect of evolutionary biology will be considered.
Projects specific to current research interests are offered annually and interested students should contact Centre members directly.
Future honours students should refer to our research profiles, then contact the researchers directly.
PhD scholarships
UWA has a range of postgraduate research scholarships available for domestic and international students, including the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) and University Postgraduate Awards (UPA).
- Applications for domestic PhD scholarships must be lodged via the UWA Graduate Research and Scholarships Office and open between July and August annually.
- Applications for international scholarships open between between September and October.
- Applications should be prepared in consultation with the individual with whom you wish to work.
Postdoctoral research
Applications from postdoctoral researchers are always welcome.
International funding bodies
Funding opportunities are available for international researchers through various home funding bodies such as the European Research Council, European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the Branco Weiss, the National Science Foundation (USA) and the Swedish Research Council, Fyssen Foundation, and the China Scholarship Council. Postdoctoral applicants to these schemes have been successful through the Centre for Evolutionary Biology.
Australian Research Council
ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards and Discovery Future Fellowships are open to both domestic and international applicants. The CEB has been highly successful in hosting fellows under both of these schemes, and many of our members have held these fellowships in the past. Applications must be submitted through the UWA’s Office of Research in consultation with the member of the CEB with whom you wish to work. The deadline for applications for ARC Fellowships is usually in February of the year prior to the start date.
Forrest Research Foundation
Forrest Fellowships are offered to early-stage post-doctoral researchers who have outstanding academic profiles and who have already made significant personal research contributions within and beyond their discipline. Before applying, applicants must contact the CEB and receive direct confirmation that their work will be mentored by a senior member of academic staff. These fellowships are highly prestigious, and come with the benefits of on-campus accommodation and some research and travel expenses.
Contact us
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Location
1st floor, Zoology building, The University of Western Australia Crawley, Perth Western Australia 6009
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