Conference Description
The Predator-Prey Interactions GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Predation is the dominant source of mortality in most populations and is an evolutionary driver for community and social structure, as well as the spatial and temporal use of habitats. As such, predator-prey interactions play a major role in determining the life history characteristics of many species and are a critical factor influencing ecosystem processes. Due to its importance, numerous studies have been conducted on the subject using various experimental and observational techniques and approaches. The 2024 Gordon Research Conference on Predator-Prey Interactions will bring together a diverse group of speakers from various disciplines to explore the fundamental mechanisms and consequential impacts of predator-prey interactions. With a strong focus on the field of predator-prey interactions, past, present, and future directions, invited researchers will meet to discuss their cutting edge research. The 2024 GRC offers a unique opportunity for ECRs and graduate students to interact with and learn from renowned experts in their field. Presenting a poster is highly recommended for all attendees, and those who plan to do so, will receive priority if this event reaches its maximum capacity. The GRCs collaborative environment, which includes organised discussions, opportunities for informal meetings and inclusive poster sessions, fosters interdisciplinary collaborations.
The topics, speakers, and discussion leaders for the conference sessions are displayed below. The conference chair is currently developing their detailed program, which will include the complete meeting schedule, as well as the talk titles for all speakers. The detailed program will be available by September 30, 2023. Please check back for updates.
Keynote Session: Emerging Fields of Predator-Prey Interactions: Past, Present, and Future Directions
Discussion Leaders
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Andrew Sih (University of California, Davis, United States)
Speakers
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Johanna Mappes (University of Helsinki, Finland)
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Liana Zanette (Western University, Canada)
Predation Risk Effects
Discussion Leaders
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Geoffrey Trussell (Northeastern University, United States)
Speakers
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Marion VALEIX (CNRS, France)
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Melanie Dammhahn (Behavioural Biology, University of Muenster, Germany)
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Daniel Crawford (The Jones Center at Ichauway, United States)
The Future of Predator-Prey Interactions
Discussion Leaders
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William Oestreich (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, United States)
Speakers
The Influence of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Predator-Prey Interactions
Discussion Leaders
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Michael Heithaus (Florida International University, United States)
Speakers
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Mark Meekan (University of Western Australia, Australia)
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Christopher Wilmers (University of California, Santa Cruz, United States)
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Mario Díaz (Spanish Research Council, National Museum of Natural Sciences, Spain)
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Brian Cheng (University of Massachusetts Amherst, United States)
Incorporating Parasites into Predator-Prey Interactions
Discussion Leaders
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Robert Poulin (University of Otago, New Zealand)
Speakers
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Sara Weinstein (Utah State University, United States)
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Alison Dunn (University of Leeds, United Kingdom)
Consumptive Effects: Remembering Predators Eat Prey
Discussion Leaders
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John Orrock (University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States)
Speakers
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Adam Ford (University of British Columbia, Canada)
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Robert Serrouya (Biodiversity Pathways, Canada)
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Thomas Newsome (The University of Sydney, Australia)
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Dries Kuijper (Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland)
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Dave Beauchamp (Western Fisheries Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, United States)
The Physiology of Prey in Coping with and Responding to Predators
Discussion Leaders
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Maud Ferrari (University of Saskatchewan, Canada)
Speakers
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Shaun Killen (University of Glasgow, United Kingdom)
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Mark Abrahams (Memorial University, Canada)
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Scott Creel (Zambian Carnivore Programme, Montana State University, United States)
The Development of Prey Defences
Discussion Leaders
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Linda Weiss (Ruhr University Bochum, Germany)
Speakers
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Kate Laskowski (University of California Davis, United States)
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Laura Stein (University of Oklahoma, United States)
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James Herbert-Read (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom)
The Applied use of Predator-Prey Knowledge
Discussion Leaders
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Elizabeth Madin (University of Hawai'i, United States)
Speakers
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Robert Pringle (Princeton University, United States)
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Laura Prugh (University of Washington, United States)
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Jennifer Thaler (Cornell University, United States)
The GRC Power Hourâ„¢
Organizers
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Kaitlyn Gaynor (University of British Columbia, Canada)