Theory and Hypothesis-Testing in Movement Ecology

The Movement Ecology of Animals GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.

The Gordon Research Seminar on Movement Ecology of Animals is a unique forum for graduate students, post-docs, and other early career scientists to present and exchange new data and cutting edge ideas. The focus of this meeting is theory and hypothesis-testing in animal movement ecology. In the era of big data and fast technological progress, the unprecedented availability of animal movement and environmental data often leads research questions in the field of Movement Ecology to become data-driven rather than theory-driven. Moreover, studies within this field are often observational and lack rigorous hypothesis-testing. In order to advance understanding, a theoretical foundation and means for testing hypotheses in Movement Ecology must be further developed. Our GRS theme focuses on presentations and discussion that explore advancements in theory and hypothesis-testing in Movement Ecology, as well as will include discussion on means for overcoming barriers such as challenges with large-scale experimental approaches. An exploration on how to better integrate theory and hypothesis-testing in Movement Ecology during the GRS will be complementary to the subsequent GRC's focus on understanding proximate and ultimate drivers of movement.