Casper van der Kooi nominated for 'Wetenschapstalent 2023'

Casper van der Kooi has been nominated by New
Scientist for Wetenschapstalent 2023 (Science Talent 2023). This election,
organized by the Dutch New Scientist is designed to give young scientists and
their research a stage. A shortlist of 15 candidates has been compiled from
nominations from universities and knowledge institutions. The public can now
cast their vote for their favourite candidate. After the public vote, a jury will
choose a number one, two and three from the five candidates with the most
votes.

Casper van der Kooi

Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences

'In my research I study to understand how flowers and animals get their colours. I want to understand the mechanistic underpinnings of the beautiful flora and
fauna around us, as well as how these colours evolve in the eyes of natural observers, such as pollinators or mates. I study this evolutionary question using techniques from biology (evolutionary theory, behavioural experiments) and
physics (optics, anatomy).

A new research project focuses on how shiny visual effects determine visibility to
insects. In nature, most colours are matte, yet across the tree of life, many
species have evolved optical structures that create a bright flash when observed
under a specific angle. How does shininess contribute to visibility? In our group
we study the optical and anatomical properties of glossy flowers and flashy
butterfly wings. Together with colleagues Sydney and Japan we study how
flashiness of butterfly wings determines visibility to potential partners, and how
butterfly eyes and brains process flashy visual effects.

I strive to make the world — and especially The Netherlands —a more biodiverse
place, and colour is a beautiful way to visualise biodiversity. I use our scientific
knowledge on ecology and evolution to advice policy makers and politicians, in
the media, and write opinion pieces for newspapers. With my brother (an artist) I
am currently working on a children’s book about plant evolution. This book is
scheduled to appear mid 2024 with Lemniscaat Publishers.'

The YAG made the video below, about Casper and his research: