The concept of organismal agency challenges the traditional view that only cognitively complex beings, such as humans, exhibit agency, proposing instead that all living systems – from cells to colonies – actively participate in their own development, maintenance, and evolution. This perspective has gained traction in recent theoretical biology and philosophy of biology.

JICE members Prof. Dr Marie I. Kaiser and Dr Guido I. Prieto, together with Henrik Hörmann, will convene a workshop at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research at Bielefeld University from 12 to 13 Ocotober 2026. The workshop will bring together biologists and philosophers to explore how the concept of organismal agency is and could be used in biological research.

More details and registration

Philosophy can play a special role in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly when the discipline with which it collaborates is itself the subject of its reflection. In an article that has just been published in the journal Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, Prof. Dr Marie I. Kaiser, a philosopher from Bielefeld University and director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF), reports on such a project: As part of the Joint Institute for Individualisation in Changing Environments (JICE) at the Universities of Bielefeld and Münster, empirical biologists are collaborating with philosophers of biology to better understand individual differences in the animal kingdom, how they arise, and what their consequences are. ZiF asked Marie I. Kaiser about this form of interdisciplinarity, its advantages and challenges.

Kaiser MI, Killin A, Caspers BA, Gadau J, Kaiser S, Kurtz J, Müller C,, Richter SH (2026) Reflective interdisciplinarity in practice: integrating biology and philosophy in studies of individualization. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 13, 1247. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-08458-4

Publication in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications 
Interview by ZiF with Marie I. Kaiser

People differ in how sociable, helpful or self-oriented they are – and so do animals. Individuals across the animal kingdom vary in their social behaviour. These differences and their consequences are the focus of the interdisciplinary workshop ’Individuality in Social Behaviour of Human and Non-Human Animals’, taking place from 1 to 3 September at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) at Bielefeld University.

Press release by Bielefeld University [de]
Workshop ’Individuality in Social Behaviour of Human and Non-Human Animals’

How does live amidst concrete, heat and traffic noise affect animals, and what does this reveal about our cities? The research project 'Bielefelder Bürgermeisen' provides answers, and interested members of the public can learn more about it at Bielefeld University's Sustainability Day on 15 July. Alongside the talk, visitors can look forward to a varied programme of hands-on activities.

Article by Bielefeld University [de]
Sustainability Day at Bielefeld University

The University of Münster and the University of Twente are strengthening their academic partnership. As part of a joint funding programme, four research teams have been selected to receive financial support to facilitate strategic collaborations in the field of health.

One of these ‘Strategic Collaboration Grants’ was awarded to JICE member Prof. Dr Mitja Back (Psychological Assessment and Personality Psychology, University of Münster) in collaboration with Dr Ying Wang (Biomedical Signals and Systems, University of Twente). In the funded project 'Physiological Regulation and Interactional Social Modelling (PRISM)', they combine insights from sensor technology, physiology and modelling of social interactions to develop a computer-based approach aimed at better understanding individual differences in everyday stress.

Press release by the University of Münster
Press release by the University of Twente

JICE member Prof. Dr Ralf Stanewsky from the Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster was recently surprised by what his fruit flies had demonstrated in the lab – they had managed to restart their internal clock through their own behaviour.

For the experiments, Dr. Angelica Coculla was inspired by studies with human volunteers from the 1960s. Students were asked to live in a bunker without daylight for extended periods. 'It was observed that the sleep-wake rhythm did not get out of control but stabilised at just over 24 hours,' she explained. The subjects were allowed to turn the light on and off as they pleased. This is where the circadian experiments with fruit flies differ significantly, as scientists in laboratories around the world usually dictate the conditions.

Article by the University of Münster

Invisible chemical landscapes shape life

Plants, animals, and microorganisms constantly communicate through chemical signals. A research team has now shown that these signals merge in the environment to form complex 'chemical landscapes' that have effects far beyond those of their individual components. Published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, the findings open new perspectives on understanding biodiversity, ecosystems, and the impacts of global environmental change. The study was conducted within the framework of the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR 3000, coordinated by Bielefeld University.

Hanusch M, Dussarrat T, Xiao X, Ziaja D, Aragam KS, Blade JD, Bräutigam A, van Dam NM, Delory BM, Gaar S, Hildebrandt M, Jakobs R, Junker RR, Müller C, Nägele T, Popp M, Rinnan R, Schneider H, Schnitzler J-P, Mendoza Servín JV, Steppuhn A, Tholl D, Seymen Y, Setordjie EA, Unsicker SB, Weirauch SK, Weisser WW, Heinen R (2026): Ecological role of emergent properties in the chemodiversity landscape. Nature Ecology & Evolution 10, 1045–1056. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-026-03057-7

Publication in Nature Ecology & Evolution
Press release by Bielefeld University

There are many studies on how parasites influence their host animals, e.g. in terms of growth, behaviour or survival rate. However, far less is known about how these effects impact food webs. A research team led by Dr Jaime Anaya-Rojas and Prof Dr Joachim Kurtz from the Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity has now found experimental evidence of how tapeworm infections in three-spined sticklebacks alter several levels of a food web. In the experiment, behavioural changes caused by the infection had massive consequences on the food chain while also reducing the stickleback population, creating converse effects.

Drakula M, Gerigk L, Rothe ES, Brüning JJ, Reckert M, Brinker A, Ranelli BE, Kurtz J, Anaya-Rojas JM (2026): Can manipulative parasites modify host-mediated trophic effects? Experimental evidence from Schistocephalus solidus and three-spined sticklebacks. Functional Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.70326

Publication in Functional Ecology
Press release by the University of Münster

Why do some individuals cooperate more, while others compete? The Individualisation Symposium 2026 brought together leading international researchers from various disciplines to explore how individual differences shape social relationships. The event focused on how cooperation, competition, and social identity emerge and evolve in humans and animals. Two of the talks from the symposium are now available online:

Evolutionary psychologist Athena Aktipis (Arizona State University) examines in her talk 'Organisms, algorithms, and alignment: old problems in new systems' how fundamental challenges of cooperation recur across biological and technological systems – from human behaviour to cancer research.

Recording on YouTube

In 'The evolution of social identity: insights from animal societies', evolutionary biologist Michael Cant (University of Exeter) explains how social identity and behavioral differences can be understood from an evolutionary perspective. His work combines theoretical models with field research to uncover key principles of cooperation and conflict.

Recording on YouTube

Article by Bielefeld University
Individualisation Symposium 2026

Narcissistic personality traits tend to run in families. A recent study led by JICE members Prof. Dr Mitja Back and Prof. Dr Christian Kandler suggests that these familial similarities are primarily explained by genetic factors. In contrast, shared environmental factors within the family, such as general parenting styles or the social environment shared by siblings, contributed little towards explaining differences in narcissism. The study was published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.

Back MD, Instinske J, Rohm T, Deppe M, Kandler C (2026): Narcissism runs in families due to genetics: an extended twin family analysis. Social Psychological and Personality Science. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506261429556

Publication in Social Psychological and Personality Science
Press release by Bielefeld University [de]
Press release by the University of Münster [de]

On 24 March 2026, the fifth Individualisation Symposium took place at Bielefeld University, focusing on the intricate interplay between individual differences and social relationships. Leading international researchers from various disciplines shared their insights on how individuality emerges and evolves through interactions with the environment, how it manifests in social relationships, and how these processes influence cooperation and conflict. They covered topics ranging from neurobiological foundations of individuality to social dynamics across species, Including fish, mice and humans.

We would like to thank all speakers and participants for the stimulating exchange and look forward to hosting the next Individualisation Symposium in 2027!

Article by Bielefeld University
Individualisation Symposium 2026

The members of the JICE elected Prof. Dr Melanie Dammhahn from the University of Münster as new co-director. She succeeds Prof. Dr Jürgen Gadau, who stepped down after five years as JICE founding co-director. Melanie Dammhahn will head the JICE alongside Prof. Dr Barbara Caspers from Bielefeld University, who has been confirmed in her position as JICE co-director.

We thank Jürgen Gadau for his substantial contribution to the development and success of the JICE, and we wish Melanie Dammhahn all the best in her new role!

Website of Prof. Dr Melanie Dammhahn
Website of Prof. Dr Barbara Caspers
Website of Prof. Dr Jürgen Gadau

Why no individual is like another

Why do animals behave differently, and what are the consequences of this? A research team from the Collaborative Research Centre NC³ at Bielefeld University and the University of Münster now provides a new explanation: epigenetic processes – chemical markings on DNA – may play a key role. The study links individuality, environmental adaptation, genetics, ecology, and evolution in a novel way.

Meuthen D, Hoffman JI, Kurtz J, Berthelsen AL, Chakarov N, Chen RS, Coculla A, Gadau JR, Gossmann TI, Mühlenhaupt M, Chavarria-Pizarro T, Rapp TM, Sepers B, Vellnow N, Xu S, Vendrami D (2026): Exploring the interplay of epigenetics and individualization. Trends in Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2025.12.010

Publication in Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Press release by Bielefeld University

Why do some individuals cooperate more, while others compete more strongly—and what does this mean for our society? At the Individualisation Symposium 2026, leading international researchers will gather at Bielefeld University to explore how individual differences shape social relationships in humans and animals.

Article by Bielefeld University
Individualisation Symposium 2026

From 9 to 12 March 2026, the JICE hosted a follow-up workshop as part of the ongoing collaborative initiative 'Integrating Human and Animal Personality Research' in Münster. The meeting enabled leading international researchers from various fields to continue developing and advancing interdisciplinary approaches to personality research in human and non-human animals. Led by Prof. Dr Melanie Dammhahn (Behavioural Biology) and Prof. Dr Mitja Back (Personality Psychology), the initiative is funded through the Topical Programme ‘Animal Personality Meets Personality Psychology’ by the University of Münster.

More details about the initiative
More details about the Topical Programme

What's on the menu for 'Wissenschaftlich belegt: Bielefeld's Smart Dinner' by the Wissenswerkstatt Bielefeld on Thursday, 16 April 2026? Ideas and perspectives from the world of science to whet your appetite. And a topic with real bite. This time: What makes us unique?

Our guests are Marie Kaiser and Oliver Krüger. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, they explore what makes individuals unique. Do animals, as well as humans, have individual 'personalities'? How does each individual find its niche in the environment? What role do decisions, behaviour and adaptation play in this?

More details by the Wissenswerkstatt Bielefeld [de]

The Individualisation Retreat, funded as a Bielefeld Focus Group by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) at Bielefeld University, took place from 23 to 27 February 2026. The participants spent the week working together intensively to further develop interdisciplinary research on individuality at conceptual, structural and strategic levels. A particular focus was given to strengthening collaboration between the universities of Bielefeld and Münster in this field as well as realising collaborative research projects and publications.

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) at Bielefeld University
Focus Group 'Individualisation in Changing Environments' at ZiF

Both wild and domestic animals, including farm animals, are capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions. However, the scale of human-induced change is so great that their ability to adapt is insufficient, despite the remarkable resilience and clever strategies of some species. In an interview with Christina Hoppenbrock, behavioural biologists and authors Prof. Dr Norbert Sachser and Dr Niklas Kästner provide insights into the capabilities of animals and their limitations.

Interview by the University of Münster with Norbert Sachser and Niklas Kästner [de]

In the face of climate change and the drastic loss of biodiversity, evolutionary biologist and JICE member Prof. Dr Joachim Kurtz is calling for a swift and decisive response from society. 'We know from history that there have been several mass extinction events. If we continue as we are, we are heading towards a human-made event that will be more drastic than any that have come before. We must therefore do everything in our power to prevent this,' he emphasised in the latest episode of the University of Münster's 'Umdenken' podcast, released to mark 'Darwin Day' on 12 February.

'Umdenken' podcast with Joachim Kurtz [de]

Under the title 'Individualisation around the clock', the JICE held its first Lecture Day at Bielefeld University on 30 January 2026. Focusing particularly on early-career researchers, the event provided a space for interdisciplinary exchange on key topics in individualisation research throughout the day. Scholars from various disciplines, such as behavioural biology, cognitive science and the philosophy of science, presented accessible overviews of their current research findings and discussed these with participants during panel discussions.

More details

13 Focus Areas are bringing together academics from different disciplines to advance outstanding topics. These new research networks demonstrate how the university is growing together. The new edition of BI.research magazine presents them all – including the Focus Area 'Individualisation in Changing Environments (InChangE)'.

The Focus Areas emerged from university-wide dialogue as part of participatory profile building. They form a strong basis on which the university’s new strategic Profile Areas will be built in the near future. Their topics range from technological developments and social challenges to fundamental scientific research questions.

'What connects the Focus Areas is the researchers’ enthusiasm for their topics, an ideal prerequisite for insights whose influence extends far beyond the university', writes Professor Dr Angelika Epple, Rector of the university, in the editorial.

Current issue of the BI.research magazine by Bielefeld University
BI.research magazine by Bielefeld University
Focus Area Individualisation in Changing Environments (InChangE) at Bielefeld University

How cities are changing social behaviour in urban animals

Cities profoundly shape how animals interact with one another. A new comprehensive review by researchers at Bielefeld University shows that urbanisation alters animal social behaviour – from mate choice to group living. The findings are striking and highly relevant for conservation and urban planning.

Maune AL, Caspers BA, Damas-Moreira I (2026): The impact of urbanisation on social behaviour: a comprehensive review. Biological Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/brv.70113

Publication in Biological Reviews
Press release by Bielefeld University