The latest Café Scientifique at the Love Bistro in The Minories Art Gallery in Colchester on Wednesday 8 February will reveal how animal groups and human crowds make decisions.

The free event will see Dr Ed Codling. Senior Lecturer in Mathematical Biology at the University of Essex, discuss recent research on the general principles of collective decision-making by animals and humans.

The talk is titled ‘When many wrongs make a right...and when they don't! Decision-making in animal groups and human crowds’ and will be followed by an open discussion.

Dr Codling said: “Various animal species rely on being in groups for their success in navigation or foraging. However, the exact mechanisms that animal groups use to improve decision-making are unclear.

“I will talk about recent research that has been undertaken in this field using both theoretical computer simulations and real experiments. I will also discuss some of the potential implications of this work in the context of how human social groups, crowds, and organisations may function and behave.”

Doors open 6.30pm on Wednesday 8 February and the talk starts at 7pm.

The Love Bistro is located in The Minories Art Gallery at 74 High Street, Colchester.

Ends

Note to Editors

Café Scientifique, which started in France, is a forum aimed at bringing the public and scientists together to learn about and discuss current scientific issues. The Colchester Café Scientifique is sponsored by the University of Essex. The speakers give their time free of charge.

For further information contact Ray White on 01621 891598 or go to: www.cafescientifique.org