We are interested in environmental effects on the behaviour and welfare of captive animals. In particular, we study how environmental conditions and experiences affect brain function and behaviour, and how behavioural changes induced by environmental restrictions and other adverse effects relate to animal health and wellbeing. Our research covers the entire range from the very fundamental to the applied, and includes a wide range of different species, in particular laboratory rodents, poultry, rabbits, horses, and dogs. The aim of our research is to establish an objective scientific basis for the assessment of animal welfare, for the development of welfare-friendly housing systems, for the diagnosis, prevention and therapy of behavioural problems, and for the refinement of animal experiments.
