Robert Hinde conducted pioneering analysis of complex behaviour sequences, particularly in birds and mammals. His long-term studies of mother–infant interaction in established social groups of monkeys provided new insight into the development of social bonds in primates and has greatly influenced aspects of human psychopathology. His analysis of the endocrine control of breeding cycles in birds and his studies on habituation and motivation also yielded results of great importance. His critical evaluation of basic concepts in ethology led to a revision of many previously held theories. This is condensed in his book, Animal Behaviour: A Synthesis of Ethology and Comparative Psychology, which has done more than any other work in bringing these two fields together and is now rightly considered as the foremost text in the subject. In his research, he inspired an outstanding team of workers both in Cambridge and in the field in Africa.
Professor Robert Hinde CBE FRS died on 23 December 2016.
Biographical Memoir
Professional position
- Master (retired), St. John's College, University of Cambridge
- Royal Society Research Professor (retired), University of Cambridge
Subject groups
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Patterns in Populations
Organismal biology (including invertebrate and vertebrate zoology), Biological Anthropology, Ethology, Evolution
- Health and Human Sciences
Awards
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Croonian Medal and Lecture
On 'The interdependence of the behavioural sciences'.
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Royal Medal
In recognition of his contributions to the field of animal behaviour and the dominant influence it achieved on the emerging field of ethology.
