Dr George Hancock
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ecology and Conservation
About Me:
I am a visual ecologist currently investigating how butterfly wing colouration and motion interact to confuse predators trying to track and intercept them during flight. I use colour-calibrated photography, image analysis, genetic algorithms, and 3D simulations to try and better our understanding of how animal colouration and behaviour is adapted to its environment.
CamoEvo Toolbox:
During my PhD, I developed the CamoEvo Toolbox . This toolbox allows anyone to evolve camouflaged phenotypes using a genetic algorithm that mirrors evolution by natural selection. This tool is useful not only for investigating the optimal camouflage patterns for a given habitat but also for educating students about key concepts in evolution and visual ecology.
CamoDinoProject:
In 2025 I launched the Camouflage Dinosaur Project, a collaboration with the game Prehistoric Kingdom to educate members of the public about the importance of camouflage and the influence of background appearance on the appearance of animals.
Check out our poster, link here
Check out our video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAhCXDB6bTU.
Broad Specialisms & Skills:
- Sensory Ecology
- Camouflage
- Artificial evolution
- Computer Games for Humans & Animals
- Video editing
Qualifications:
2019-2023, PhD, University of Exeter
2015-2019, MSci, University of Bristol
Career:
2025-2029, Postdoctoral Researcher: Butterfly Motion Dazzle, University of Exeter
2024-2025, Postdoctoral Researcher: Colour in Motion, University of Helsinki