Measuring Behavior is a unique event. The mission of the conference is to present
innovations and share ideas and experiences about methods, techniques and tools for the study of
human or animal behavior, independent of the species being studied. While most conferences focus on
a specific domain, Measuring Behavior creates bridges between disciplines by bringing together people
who may otherwise be unlikely to meet each other. At a Measuring Behavior meeting, you will find yourself
among ethologists, behavioral ecologists, neuroscientists, developmental psychologists, human factors researchers,
movement scientists, psychiatrists, usability testers and others! While the research questions and applications
may be highly diverse, all delegates share an interest in methods, techniques and tools for studying behavior.
Experience tells us that the focus on methodological and technical themes can lead to a very productive
cross-fertilization between research fields.
| Measuring Behavior ’96 | |
| The first meeting, Measuring Behavior ’96, chaired by Berry Spruijt, was a spin-off from the European project “Automatic Recording and Analysis of Behavior”. The plan to share the results of our project with colleagues quickly evolved into an international event. Organized by Noldus Information Technology and hosted by Utrecht University, Measuring Behavior ’96 attracted 153 participants from 25 countries. The 2-day program included 70 presentations and 4 scientific tours. Menno Kruk wrote a report of the meeting, which was published in Trends in Neurosciences (vol. 20, pp. 187-189, 1997).. |
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| Measuring Behavior ’98 | |
| The second conference, Measuring Behavior ‘98, under chairmanship of Jaap Koolhaas, brought more than 275 delegates from 32 countries together at the campus of the University of Groningen. During three full conference days, there were 140 presentations grouped into 14 thematic symposia, well balanced between human and animal research. The program included ample time for posters and demonstrations of software or equipment by participants. We had 6 lab tours, 20 set-ups for ongoing technical training and two companies organized user meetings. A ‘video digitization service’ allowed delegates to take a look into the world of digital video, which was new for most at that time. Finally, some 20 companies exhibited scientific books, instruments and software. For the first time, selected presentations were published as full papers in the journal Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers. |
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| Measuring Behavior 2000 | |
| Measuring Behavior 2000 was held in Nijmegen and hosted by Alexander Cools, attracting over 300 delegates from around the world, who attended more than 160 oral and poster presentations. New to the program at Measuring Behavior 2000 were special interest groups and workshops. Once again, different companies exhibited a wide range of research instruments and software, and delegates could visit different labs on scientific tours, receive ongoing technical training and attend user meetings organized by Noldus Information Technology. |
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| Measuring Behavior 2002 | |
| We saw a further increase in attendance when Measuring Behavior 2002 was held at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with Gerrit van der Veer serving as program chair. 325 delegates from 37 countries took part in a busy program, which included - for the first time - tutorials, short courses taught by expert instructors. Twelve of these were organized and received high ratings. |
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And now you find yourself at the fifth Measuring Behavior conference in Wageningen. Measuring Behavior 2005 is special in several ways. First of all, we have a record number of participants, as many as 450! The interest shown in the conference has been truly worldwide, with participants traveling to the Netherlands from 40 different countries. We also have a record number of presentations, with almost 300 oral papers, posters and demonstrations. This includes 3 renowned keynote speakers, 11 well-prepared symposia and 5 special interest groups. The conference publications have been expanded with a Conference CD and printed Conference Proceedings, containing short papers of most presentations. Finally, for Noldus Information Technology as the organizing company, this conference marks the opening of our new building, where we proudly receive all delegates for the welcome reception.
The local organizing committee has done its best to prepare an optimal mix of scientific, technical, social and culinary ingredients. We hope that you find Measuring Behavior 2005 a rewarding experience and wish you a pleasant stay in Wageningen.
Lucas P.J.J. Noldus
Chair, Local Organizing Committee
Managing Director, Noldus Information Technology bv