about us
What is Behavioural Biology?
Behaviour is everywhere in nature: from bacteria responding to their environment to the complex social lives of animals and humans. Behavioural Biology explores how and why organisms behave the way they do, combining insights from evolution, ecology, physiology, neuroscience, genetics and psychology. This broad field helps us understand the links between genes, brains, bodies and behaviour. It also has major relevance for society, including animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, climate change, urbanisation, pest management and our understanding of human behaviour.
Behavioural Biology in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a strong tradition in Behavioural Biology. Dutch researchers have long played an important role in the field, with Niko Tinbergen, one of the founders of this research field, receiving the Nobel Prize in 1973. Today, behavioural biologists work at universities and research institutes across the Netherlands and are part of active international networks.
About the NVG
The Netherlands Society for Behavioural Biology – Nederlandse Vereniging voor Gedragsbiologie, NVG was founded to promote research and teaching in Behavioural Biology and to strengthen communication with wider audiences. You can read more about the NVG history here.
The NVG brings together more than 200 researchers, students and others interested in animal and human behaviour, including members from Belgium.
What we do
- stimulating research and education in the field
- sharing knowledge about Behavioural Biology with a wider audience
- representing the interests of behavioural biologists and their research
We do this by supporting masterclasses, workshops and conferences, sharing news and opportunities with our members, and connecting behavioural biologists across disciplines and career stages.
A highlight of our activities is the annual NVG meeting: a three-day congress held in November for everyone working in Behavioural Biology. The meeting offers an inspiring programme of talks, poster sessions and networking opportunities, and gives researchers from the Netherlands, Belgium and beyond the chance to present their work and meet colleagues in the field.
The NVG is also an active participant in the European Platform for Behavioural Biology, which connects Behavioural Biology societies across Europe and organises the biennial European Conference on Behavioural Biology (ECBB).