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TAKING THE STINK OUT OF INSTINCT: LOOKING AT ANIMALS, LESSONS FOR US ALL
3 May 2007

Australia's premier science event will culminate tomorrow with a fascinating talk by renowned British animal behavioural scientist Professor Sir Patrick Bateson.

Professor Bateson is the key drawcard among a host of eminent national and international scientists at a symposium to discuss 'Development and evolution of higher cognition in animals' on the final day of Science at the Shine - organised by the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Bateson's intriguing look at cognition and instinct continues with contributions from other prominent researchers on subjects such as cognitive chickens, mental time travel and smart bees.

The presentations are no dry-as-dust look at the animal kingdom: they also tell us much about humans and our place in the animal kingdom and have wider applications for human endeavour, including social development, communication and robotics.

Professor Bateson says that some so-called acts of cognition seem so spontaneous and rapid that they are deemed to be instinctive, which would be well and good were it not for the fact that 'instinct' has at least nine different meanings. He adds: 'The trouble is that evidence for one meaning doesn't necessarily imply evidence for another. As in the old joke, we need to take the stink out of instinct.'

Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck described the symposium as a fascinating exploration of the world around us. Professor Lambeck says: 'The symposium is an important annual event showcasing the latest Australian and international research from the top scientists in the field.

'The outstanding calibre of the speakers is a credit to the Chairs of the symposium, Professor Lesley Rogers and Professor Ross Day.'

The symposium's sponsors are: The Royal Society, the University of New England, the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology Cooperation, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Embassy of Italy.

Date: 4 May 2007

Venue: The Shine Dome, Gordon Street, Canberra

Notes for news editors

• For more detailed information on the conference, key speakers, including Professor Sir Patrick Bateson, go to: www.science.org.au/sats2007/index.htm

• A professional photographer will be covering the event if you need images