Workshop with Dr. Irene Pepperberg: A review and demonstration of the Model/Rival Technique

October 12, 2025

We are honored to host a workshop led by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, Adjunct Research Professor with Dept of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, internationally recognized for her pioneering research on avian cognition and animal behavior.

Following her seminar on Nov 19, we are happy to host a workshop, titled “A Review and Demonstration of the Model/Rival Technique.” Dr. Pepperberg will provide a detailed overview of the training methodology she developed and applied in her landmark studies with African Grey parrots. The session will explore the theoretical foundations of the Model/Rival approach and its practical applications for teaching parrots to label and identify various objects.

When possible, the workshop will include a live demonstration with one or two tame African Grey parrots from the Schubot Aviary, assisted by volunteers from the audience. In the absence of birds, Dr. Pepperberg will illustrate the technique using a human “stand-in” to exemplify the interactive learning process central to the method.

This event offers a unique opportunity for the Schubot community to learn directly from one of the foremost authorities in animal cognition and behavior, whose work continues to shape our understanding of animal cognition and behavior.

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