• CICASP
  • Administration
  • Students
  • Alumni

CICASP

close x

Ikuma Adachi

My long-term research goal is to better understand the evolution of cognitive abilities in human and non-human animals. My current research has focused on whether non-human animals form cross-modal representations of familiar individuals and species as well as underlying perceptual system behind this. I’m also interested in multi-species comparison and I have studied a wide variety of species, including chimpanzees, four species of old-world monkeys, three species of new-world monkeys, pigeons, dogs, horses. These investigations were conducted in the laboratory using both operant and non-operant paradigms to measure cognitive function.
Dr. Ikuma Adachi

Ikuma Adachi

Associate Professor, Head of CICASP

close x

Andrew MacIntosh

I am a behavioral ecologist working predominantly on the intersection between animal behavior and parasitism. My work has taken me to field sites in Central America, West Africa, East and Southeast Asia and even Antarctica, where I have studied mainly primates but also seabirds (penguins) and a few other animal species over the years. Students in my lab almost always combine field and laboratory work to enrich their experiences. I teach a variety of courses related to behavioral biology and am a strong proponent of critical thinking, analytical reasoning and the communication of science. I'm always looking for good people in my team, so don't hesitate to contact me or other members of my team if interested.

Andrew MacIntosh

Associate Professor

close x

Yuko Hattori

I am interested in how individuals develop and maintain good relationships in their social environments, and what kinds of communication are used while they interact with each other. Currently, I am focusing on behavioral synchrony and body movement matching in chimpanzees with respect to how these behaviors affect their social relationships. I'm also interested in the evolutionary origins of human musical activities such as dancing and singing. 

Dr. Yuko Hattori

Yuko Hattori

Assistant Professor

close x

Susumu Tomiya

I study the evolutionary history of mammals to better understand how their diversity is generated, maintained, or lost at various scales of time (hundreds to millions of years) and space (local to continental). I am also passionate about taking care of natural history collections that enable such research, and biology education.

Susumu Tomiya

Program-specific Assistant Professor

close x

Nahoko Tokuyama

Why do we still want to be with and communicate with someone even when you can live by yourself? I have been having this question since my adolescence, which led me to study social interactions in group-living animals. I have been studying wild bonobos at Wamba, Luo Scientific Reserve, DR Congo since 2011. My research focuses on within-group female cooperation and aggregation, as well as social interactions across groups. I also started observing wild chimpanzees at Kalinzu forest, Uganda in 2016.

Nahoko Tokuyama

Assistant Professor

close x

Michael Huffman

The various research interests and fields I have played a role in pioneering, inspired by the primates I have observed and the people I have worked with, include cultural primatology, female mate choice, primate host-parasite ecology, and animal self-medication. These studies have led to work in ethnobotany, reproductive physiology, behavioral endocrinology, phylogeography, and historical primatology. Along with investigations on free-ranging and captive Japanese macaques for over 40 years, I studied wild chimpanzees at four field sites in Tanzania and Uganda between 1985 and 2004. Since 2004, I've been working mostly on macaques and langurs across Asia, with field studies in Sri Lanka, Taiwan, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

CICASP Director Michael Huffman

Michael Huffman

Associate Professor

Administration

close x

Naoko Hakuto

I am so happy to be a member of CICASP, here at PRI. I am enjoying myself as an administrator and am so greatful to have a chance to meet people from all over the world. I imagine that living in a different country or enviroment takes a lot of energy (and maybe some courage!) to get yourself settle into the new life, no matter where it is. But, please do not worry about that! We are always here for you to help and support all of you to feel comfortable and enjoy your new life in Japan, so please do not hesitate to call on us! You are always welcome to talk to and visit us here at CICASP. I am lookinp forward to meeting with you in the near future!

Naoko Hakuto

Administrative Officer

close x

Noe Yoshida

Everyone at CICASP is friendly and warm, and I am happy to be a member of the team. I am surrounded by people from many different countries and enjoy getting to know them. If you are feeling anxious about starting a new life in an unfamiliar environment, please do not worry! I understand how hard it can be to adjust and settle into a new place, and I will be here to assist you so that you can concentrate on your work or study. I look forward to welcoming you at CICASP.

Noe Yoshida

Administrative Officer

Students

close x

Sakura Hayashi

Hi! I am an M1 student in the Cellular Biology section. While working as a TA,

I want to learn about various research projects and hear interesting ideas from everyone this year.

My ongoing research theme is: What is the genetic change that made owl monkeys nocturnal?

I'm interested in the distribution of heterochromatin in photoreceptor nuclei of nocturnal mammals.

 

Sakura Hayashi

Doctoral Student

close x

Sanjana Kadam

Several psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, addiction, and major depressive disorder have been suggested to involve cognitive biases in their symptoms, but their mechanistic relatioships have remained largely unclear. To provide insights on the issue, I investigate social and affective aspects of cognitive biases. In particular, I examine how affective states of subjects may influence their habits, and its relevance to addiction in order to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of psychiatric disorders.

Sanjana Kadam

Doctoral Student

close x

Jungmin Oh

Key words of my interest & research

-The generative circuit of emotion in the brain

-Emotional Disease (General Anxiety Diseases / Depression / Addiction)

-Approach-Avoidance conflict

-Nucleus accumbens and Substantia nigra

-Electrophysiology and DREADDs using viral vector 

JungminOH

Jungmin Oh

Doctoral Student

close x

Kasia Majewski

My present work focuses on the invasive raccoon dogs of Yakushima Island, a biodiversity rich UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Japan. I am investigating the population dynamics of this prolific invasive on the island, as well as their role in affecting the fragile native environment through:

  1. predation of endemic and endangered species (i.e. loggerhead sea turtles)
  2. competition for food with the only native small carnivore on the island - the endemic subspecies of Yakushima weasel,
  3. the spread of infectious lung worms (trematodes). 

Kasia Majewski

Doctoral Student

close x

Azhari Fadel Abdurrahman

I study the genetics of endangered animals to help practitioners devise efficient conservation strategies. Currently, my target species is the white-tailed eagle, which is considered endangered in Japan. Because the species is facing low reproductive success, mixing of populations from different regions might be needed in the future. The data generated by this research will give insights into the feasibility of such interventions.

My personal goal is to master various methodologies in conservation genetics and gain experience in working across different taxa of animals to have a holistic understanding, both in theory and practice, of preventing extinction from the genetic perspective.

Azhari Fadel Abdurrahman

Master's Student

close x

Srishti Tripathi

How are emotions and moods embodied in the brain? And how has this evolved in animals and humans? These are interesting reserch questions to explore for many reasons. My research aims to explore the biological mechanisms underlying emotion and its related disorders, and its evolution in primates. My current research investies the underlying neural mechanisms (or neural networks) of grief and mourning using near-infrared spectroscopy brain imaging techniques in humans and non-human primates.

Srishti

Srishti Tripathi

Doctoral Student

close x

Mohamed Saidi

Rhinos are one the largest living mammals in the world facing many risks driven by human activities, notably illegal trophy hunting. These iconic megafaunas are now living in small and fragmented sub-populations exhibiting poor reproductive ability and higher inbreeding, which threaten their survival. We can save this flagship species from the brink of extinction through collective efforts.

Kyoto University provides me with an exciting platform to study one of the critically endangered species of rhinos—the black rhinoceros—with a focus on understanding their current genetic diversity using captive individuals to generate scientific information that is crucial for their survival and conservation.

Mohamed Saidi

Master's Student

close x

Elio Borghezan

I am a doctoral student interested in animal behavior and evolution. I have been investigating mate choice and divergence in secondary sexually-selected traits, particularly how they may affect mating partner recognition in an Amazon fish. Amazon has the highest freshwater faunal biodiversity in the world, and now I am trying to answer the following question: why does the Amazon have such high biodiversity? I am focused on how divergent selection can shape biodiversity in Amazonian rivers and how environment quality (different types of water) affects visual communication, especially sexual communication.

Elio Borghezan

Doctoral Student

Alumni

close x

Takakazu Yumoto

Our laboratory is concentration on foods and habitats of primates, feeding behavior, and relationships between primates and other organisms, mainly in Yakushima Island in Japan, and many tropical forests in Malaysia, Congo RD, Gabon, Brazil. Graduate students belong to Primatology and Wildlife Research, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University. Please visit us at Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, if you are interested in Yakushima Island or tropical rainforests.

Dr. Takakazu Yumoto

Takakazu Yumoto

Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University (former CICASP Director from 2015-2021)

close x

Fred B. Bercovitch

The pivotal issue forming a foundation for both conservation and evolutionary biology involves determining factors that influence variation in reproductive success. My research interests, experience, and background aim at meshing social behavior, ecology, genetics, demography, life history, endocrinology, and evolution into a framework for increasing our understanding of mating systems and reproductive strategies.

Dr. Fred B. Bercovitch

Fred B. Bercovitch

(former CICASP Professor 2010-2017)

close x

David A. Hill

My research examines aspects of the behaviour, ecology and conservation of mammals in forest habitats. Although I spent many years working on macaques, my current research focuses on insectivorous bats. I am interested in the effects of habitat disturbance on the distribution and population dynamics of forest bats, and how secondary forest habitats can be managed to protect and enhance bat communities. I am also investigating social systems of bats and specifically the role of vocal communication in social interactions within and between groups. 

David A. Hill

(former CICASP Professor 2010-2015)

close x

Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita

My main research interest is the use of non-invasive endocrinology in non-human primates to understand how the environment influences welfare and reproductive fitness. My previous studies included health evaluation of captive owl monkeys and measurement of adrenal hormones in captive Japanese macaques. I believe that it is important to study the behavior and physiology of wild primates in order to improve the condition of those living in captivity, and to provide them an environment as closer as possible from their natural habitat. 

Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita

Assistant Professor, Kent State University (Graduate of the Master's–Doctoral Course & former Research Associate)

close x

Duncan Wilson

My main interests are in animal psychology and animal welfare. My research focuses on understanding how non-human primates perceive faces and facial expressions using computer-based tasks (e.g., matching-to-sample, dot probe and visual search). I am also interested in whether facial expressions can be used to assess emotional and welfare states in animals. I lecture on Comparative Psychology, Primate Behaviour and Cognition, and Science Communication at the Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kyoto University.

Duncan Wilson

Lecturer, Kyoto University (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Sofi Bernstein

Currently, my research interests include the study of signal systems in non-human animals, particularly vocal communication in non-human primates. My work integrates bioacoustics and cognitive ethology, and I mostly focus on the Macaca genus. I participate in an ongoing collaboration with Anhui University and Central Washington University at the Valley of the Wild Monkeys,China where longitudinal data is being collected on a free-ranging troop of Tibetan macaques. 

Sofi Bernstein

Graduate of the Doctoral Course

close x

Tianmeng He

Primates are important herbivores in many ecosystems. They are not only influenced by the plants they eat but also influence the ecosystem through eating plants. I am interested in how the properties of food influence the digestion of primates. Meanwhile, I am also interested in the ecological impact of primates. I was focusing on the effects of diet composition, and dietary toughness on chewing and digestion in Japanese macaques when I was a graduate student in PRI/Inuyama campus. 

Tianmeng He

Postdoctoral Fellow, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Jie Gao

I’m generally interested in comparative cognitive science. My previous work was to investigate the understanding of a circular relationship in chimpanzees, our closest relatives, by training them the rule of the rock-paper-scissors game. I found some interesting response by chimpanzees to chimpanzee hands and human hands, and it led me to my current project: body perception in chimpanzees. Bodies are the direct agent of animals to explore and to interact with the environment. Bodies also convey important social cues. I’m interested in how animals (chimpanzees) perceive bodies, and their knowledge about body structures and body parts.

Jie Gao

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow, Kyoto University (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Dr. Julie Duboscq

  • PhD in Natural Sciences (Dr. rer.nat.), University of Göttingen & University of Strasbourg. Financial support: Volkswagen Foundation and Primate Conservation Inc.

title of thesis: “Social tolerance: novel insights from wild female crested macaques, Macaca nigra”,...

Dr. Julie Duboscq

Researcher (CNRS-France) [previous JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow]

close x

Valéria Romano

• Evolution of social behavior • Behavioural ecology • Agent/Individual-based modelling • Social network analysis • Complex systems • Wildlife epidemiology • Animal conservation

Valeria Romano de Paula

Valéria Romano

Postdoctoral Fellow, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (former JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow)

close x

Gema Palacino-González

Research subject & interests

- Psychological bases of social bonding between conspecifics
- Social behavior and communication of horses
- Evolution of cooperative behavior
- Joint commitment process
- Unmanned aerial vehicles

Gema Palacino-González

Doctoral Student

close x

Vanessa Gris

Currently, I am investigating facial expressions and behaviors associated with pain in Japanese macaques and marmosets

  • Anesthesia and analgesia of domestic and nondomestic species
  • Animal Welfare - study on pain expressions
  • Pharmacology of anesthetic drugs
  • Evolution of nociception 
  • Conservation Medicine

Vanessa Gris

Program-specific Assistant Professor at Kyoto University (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Himani Nautiyal

Born and brought up in the Indian Himalayas, my research focuses on conserving this fragile ecosystem and the wildlife in it. My long-term research interests are behaviour, ecology, and conservation of primates living in the Himalayas. My PhD research is focused on understanding the social system and reproductive strategies of Central Himalayan langur (Semnopithecus schistaceusin high altitude forests of  Western Himalayas, India. By Studying this primate species past four years in different forest types in the elevation range of 1,500 to 4,000 meters, I have developed core interest towards understanding their adaptation in harsh climatic conditions.

Himani Nautiyal

Postdoctoral Associate, National Institute of Advanced Studies (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Yuri Kawaguchi

What makes it possible for us to take care of infants? Given that it requires a lot of cost on caretakers, there could be physiological and/or psychological mechanisms that drive us to do so. I'm studying cognition in both human and non-human primates. My research interest is how primates recognize infants of their own species versus those of other species. I am investigating it by studying attention, preference, face recognition ability, etc. in humans and apes. I hope my work will contribute to revealing the evolutionary basis of infant care.

Yuri Kawaguchi

JSPS Overseas Research Fellow, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Graduate of the Master's–Doctoral Course)

close x

Liesbeth Frias

I am interested in how variations in host community composition influence parasite transmission, especifically to what extent parasites are shared across primate hosts (in contrast to being host-specific), whether parasites correlate with/ influence host community structure, and the relationship between habitat fragmentation and both primate and parasite biodiversity. To approach these questions, I am surveying (gastrointestinal) parasite community assemblages in a multi-host system of primates living sympatrically in the Kinabatangan River (Malaysian Borneo). Ultimately my research aims to enhance basic understanding of community level epidemiology involving primates and their parasites in current landscapes for application in wildlife health monitoring, conservation and management, and public health awareness related to parasite transmission between wildlife and human populations. 

CICASP graduate student Liesbeth Frias

Liesbeth Frias

Postdoctoral Fellow, Nanyang Technological University (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Cecile Sarabian

How do animals living in environments where parasites are ubiquitous, avoid infection? With an evolutionary approach to hygiene and disgust, my research focuses on investigating parasite avoidance strategies in primates through field experiments, behavioral observations and parasitology. Better understanding infection-risk avoidance behaviors can have implications in both conservation and public health strategies by informing the design of interventions important in disease control. 

CICASP graduate student Cecile Sarabian

Cecile Sarabian

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Hong Kong (Graduate of the Doctoral Course & former JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow)

close x

Halmi Insani

Past effects of insularity on non-human primates have been a subject of my interest since the discovery of spectacular island effects on fossil humans. Comprised of a galaxy of islands and known as the home of various living non-human primates, the Southeast Asian Archipelago is my study area for investigating how non-human primates evolved, adapted, and survived throughout the islands since 2 million years ago. I have developed geometric-morphometrics analysis on craniodental elements of Macaca, Presbytis, Trachypithecus, Hylobates, Symphalangus, and Pongo, covering both living and fossil specimens.

Halmi Insani

Graduate of the Doctoral Course

close x

Lucie Rigaill

My research focuses on investigating the forms and functions of primate multimodal sexual communication: how multiple female traits may signal reproductive status and individual characteristics and thus modulate male and female mating strategies and sexual competition (from signal content to signal perception). While my previous work has taken me to study mainly non-human primates, my latest project focused on human sexual communication. Overall my research aims at better understand the evolution of sexual communication in primates.

Lucie Rigaill

Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Rennes 1 (Graduate of the Doctoral Course & former Research Associate)

close x

Josue Alejandro

My main interest has been in social and housing enrichment in primates, and how these can ameliorate stress in captive conditions. Although I prefer to see wild animals living in nature, I think it is also very important to study animals in captive environments and learn as much as we can from them. The previous experiences helped me to decide to dedicate my graduate studies in learning more about the primate’s natural behavior, what various factors can affect their stress levels, and how we can measure well-being in a non-invasive ways, for both captive and non-captive primates. In my future studies I plan to look at the primate’s stress levels in various housing conditions while looking at their behaviors, general biological functioning, and hopefully assess a clearer picture of their welfare status. Future plans also include studying wild populations in Japan and other countries in Asia.

Josue Alejandro

Researcher at Kyoto University (Graduate of the Doctoral Course)

close x

Claire F. I. Watson

Socially transmitted behaviours form the basis of culture. I am especially intrigued by social and communicative cultural variation in non-human primates. My research involves empirical, behavioural studies on captive monkeys. I investigate primate social cognition, in particular social influence on social behaviours and traditions. Other avenues of research include vocalisations in common marmosets and improving primate welfare through enrichment.

Dr. Claire F. I. Watson

Claire F. I. Watson

(former CICASP Research Associate)

close x

Tetsuro Matsuzawa

Dr. Tetsuro Matsuzawa is the founding director of CICASP, and a professor in the Department of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Section of Language and Intelligence. His work in the laboratory at PRI is known as the "Ai project", named after the chimpanzee (Ai) that has been the focus of this pioneering research for more than 29 years. Dr. Matsuzawa has complemented the Ai project with observation of and field-experimentation with the chimpanzee community at Bossou, Guinea, West Africa, since 1986. This research encompasses the synergy of laboratory and field research, and aims to develop a comprehensive and holistic understanding of chimpanzee cognition. 

Tetsuro Matsuzawa

Tetsuro Matsuzawa

Founding Director of CICASP