BARKS LAB is a fast-moving research group at the Department of Ethology, ELTE University — one of the world’s leading hubs for canine behaviour science. Our mission is to explore vocal learning in dogs, combining cutting-edge technology with interdisciplinary methods. Backed by an ERC Consolidator Grant, we believe that canine vocal learning can teach us not only about our furry companions, but also about how human language may have taken shape long before words existed.
Research
Behaviour Team
Our aim is to explore dogs’ vocal repertoire by conducting questionnaires, behavioural testings, and citizen science projects, also to investigate dogs’ vocal learning abilities via longitudinal studies. We hypothesise that individuals belonging to more modern breeds and the ones with better cooperative abilities have developed a more versatile repertoire, and better abilities regarded to vocal learning. [Want to know more?]
Neuro Team
We study the neural mechanisms behind dogs’ innate and learned vocalizations using non-invasive, awake brain imaging methods (EEG, fMRI, fNIRS). We focus on how learning processes, emotional content, and breed type influence brain activity. In a joint effort with the Neuroethology of Communication group and the Department of Biological Physics we take active part in the development of a robust fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) brain imaging application for dogs.
Genetics Team
Over the decades, we have gathered a massive collection of DNA samples from a wide range of experiments at the Department of Ethology. Using this unique biobank, we apply various genomic methods to reveal the genetic background of vocalisation. Studying these can help to understand the genetic mechanisms of speech development in humans. Our results might provide novel insights into the evolution of human speech.
Machine Learning Team
At the Department of Ethology, we have a vast collection of recordings gathered through various experiments. Now, as part of BARKS LAB, even more is coming in from our advanced acoustics lab, fieldwork, and citizen science projects. The Machine Learning team develops the tools we need to make sense of it all. Without these, we’d be buried in woofs.
Citizen Science
At BARKS LAB we do science for you and with you. Without your participation, our research wouldn’t be possible. By joining our citizen science projects, you and your dog can contribute to real scientific discoveries – all while having fun together.
Currently we have no actively running citizen science experiments. Please come back later.
Join us!
We’re always happy to welcome new members to our research teams. Whether you’re looking for a postdoc or PhD position, or you are a BSc/MSc student looking for a thesis project, we have a place for you here.
We work across disciplines, so backgrounds in cognitive science, bioacoustics, bioinformatics, neuroscience (especially imaging), and/or strong statistical skills are all valuable. That said, we don’t expect you to know everything from the start. We also learn from each other along the way.
If interested, get in touch with our Principal Investigator, Tamas Farago: tamas.farago[at]ttk.elte.hu