FWF ESPRIT Fellowships awarded to Thomas Macgillavry & Zach Marin

Thomas Macgillavry (Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology) 
Sexual signal dynamics in the birds of paradise  (Mentor Tecumseh Fitch) 

Thomas Macgillavry FWF ESPRIT project “Sexual signal dynamics in the birds of paradise” examines how the complex courtship dances of birds-of-paradise are organised in space and time. While sexual selection research has traditionally focused on static ornaments, the dynamic aspects of displays – such as motion, timing, and rhythm – remain poorly understood. 

Using three closely related bird-of-paradise species (Victoria’s Riflebird, Magnificent Riflebird, and Superb Lophorina), Macgillavry analyses video recordings of male courtship dances from Australia and Papua New Guinea. High-speed videography and automated camera footage are used to capture fine-scale movements and rhythmic patterns, which are analysed with behavioural analysis software. The project aims to identify key spatiotemporal features of these dances, test their relationship with mating success, and compare display dynamics across species. It pioneers the use of modern video analysis techniques to understand the forms and functions of these sexual signalling behaviours. 

Zach Marin 
Live-Cell Imaging of Clathrin Dynamics at the Nanoscale

Postdoctoral researcher Zach Marin (Ries lab) has been awarded an FWF ESPRIT Fellowship from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) to pursue an innovative microscopy project at the Perutz. Providing funding over three years, Zach’s project ‘Live-Cell Imaging of Clathrin Dynamics at the Nanoscale’ aims to develop faster super-resolution imaging approaches to visualize structural dynamics inside living cells at unprecedented resolution. 

Understanding how molecular machines move and assemble in living cells at the nanoscale remains one of the major challenges in structural biology. Postdoc Zach Marin addresses this by accelerating advanced super-resolution microscopy, combining 4Pi single-molecule localization microscopy with a new deep-learning–based analysis approach to significantly increase imaging speed. Within his project, Zach aims to observe clathrin-mediated endocytosis – a key cellular process used to import nutrients, signals, and drugs – directly in living cells. 

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The ESPRIT (Early-Stage Program: Research – Innovation – Training) fellowship from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) supports outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers across all disciplines in conducting independent research in Austria. The program aims to foster innovative science while strengthening research institutions by attracting and retaining top international talent.