Our Faculty Member Dr. Serdal Tümkaya Participates in the COST AFFECT-EVO Action Working Group

Our Faculty Member Dr. Serdal Tümkaya Participates in the COST AFFECT-EVO Action Working Group
Assist. Prof. Serdal TÜMKAYA, a faculty member of our University's Department of Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence, is participating in a working group of the COST Action “CA23106 – An Evolutionary View to Understanding Affective States across Species (AFFECT-EVO),” supported by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Programme.

AFFECT-EVO is an international research network that aims to investigate emotions and affective states across different species from an evolutionary perspective. The Action focuses on understanding the emotional experiences of non-human animals, identifying similarities and differences across species, and developing scientific methods for assessing affective states.

Bringing together researchers from various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, biology, and the social sciences, the Action seeks to advance existing knowledge of the evolutionary foundations of affective states and establish a common conceptual framework for research in this field. Improving animal welfare and developing approaches to the assessment and treatment of affective disorders are also among its key priorities. The Action's activities are organized through four working groups focusing on advancing the fundamental understanding of affective states across species, examining the societal implications of animal emotions, developing methods for assessing animal welfare, and improving treatments for affective disorders. Running from 2024 to 2028, AFFECT-EVO provides researchers from different countries with opportunities to develop interdisciplinary collaborations, exchange scientific knowledge and experience, and participate in joint research activities.

As the Project Support Office, we will continue to provide guidance throughout the application process to support our academics' active participation in international research networks and strengthen international academic collaborations. We congratulate our faculty member, Dr. Serdal TÜMKAYA, on his contribution to our University's international academic visibility and wish him continued success in his work within AFFECT-EVO.