Since October 1, 2025, she is leading the Endowed Professorship for Zoo Conservation Science at the Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology at the University of Vienna, funded by the Vienna Zoo.
The professorship and the associated research group aim to prevent species extinction by combining the expertise of zoos in animal husbandry and breeding with innovative and multidisciplinary research. Research is conducted in the fields of behavioural and cognitive biology, physiology, and wildlife ecology – on-site at Vienna Zoo, in national and international partner zoos, as well as through comparative studies on in situ animal populations. The scientific findings are intended to contribute to the protection of animals and their habitats worldwide and to improve husbandry conditions and breeding programs in zoos.
An integrative approach is at the core of this work: insights from natural habitats are incorporated into the care and breeding of endangered species, while research findings from zoos provide valuable input for the conservation of wild animal populations. Modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, play a key role in helping us better understand animal behaviour and develop management strategies and conservation measures based on these insights.
Another central aspect of the professorship is hands-on teaching: students gain valuable experience in the care and research of endangered species, linking theoretical knowledge with practical skills in conservation science.
This professorship offers a unique opportunity to combine research, conservation, and public engagement, directly contributing to the conservation of global biodiversity.
The following courses are offered as part of the curriculum for the Master’s program in Cognition, Behavior, and Neurobiology.
- Zoo Biology and Animal Behavior: Practical Course in Observing Animals at the Vienna Zoo (3ECTS).
- Animal Behavior and Communication: Practical course at the Vienna Zoo (10ECTS)
- Advanced Zoo Biology and Animal Behavior: Field Research in Zoos (Bachelor course, 10ECTS)
- Seminar: The Future of Zoos: Animal Care, Conservation, and Ethical Perspectives (2ECTS)
- Excursion I: Ex Situ Conservation and Population Management.
Students gain insights into the practice of ex-situ conservation and population management in Austrian zoos, particularly in the member institutions of the Austrian Zoo Organization (OZO). - Exkursion II: In-Situ Conservation and Population Management (Southern Africa)
Students gain hands-on insights into in-situ conservation and wildlife management in South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a focus on African elephants, big cats, marine mammals, and penguins. Field research methods such as bioacoustics and behavioural biology, as well as topics like wildlife monitoring, species management, and conflict mitigation, are taught in collaboration with local organizations.
