Evolutionary Sciences SIG

By Yukie Kurumiya

The Evolutionary Sciences SIG (EvoSci SIG) was established in November 2023 to advance and evolve the science of behavior analysis through lenses of the evolutionary sciences, behavioral selection, and relational/symbolic learning at the cultural level—from micro to macro.

The EvoSci SIG will use evolutionary theory to explore how our science of behavior and its practice can evolve to induce the well-being of individual organisms, organizations, cultures, and societies, interdependently. Furthermore, through such explorations, we aim to discuss models and processes that address conditions resulting in harmful insensitivity to social-environmental variables. Through evolutionary and cultural engineering models, we aim to advance, disseminate, and integrate the science of behavior analysis across diverse disciplines, and foster collaborations that can ameliorate current societal and global threats.

We invite experimental and applied behavior analysts, evolutionary scientists, and collaborators from related disciplines who work to improve the world with trust and psychological safety. Specifically, the organization shall:
1. Serve as a scientific and professional reference and networking group for its members.
2. Disseminate information to promote its mission to a wider audience.
3. Organize an annual meeting to provide a forum for discussion of the affairs of the SIG. At the 2023 ABAI convention, behavior analysts in diverse disciplines met and discussed the purpose of the group. At the 2024 convention, we held the first official business meeting to discuss our vision and develop the method of dissemination of our SIG.

We invite all who are dedicated to advancing the science of behavior at any level of their careers and education. To join the EvoSci SIG, please contact Yukie Kurumiya at ykurumiya@thechicagoschool.edu.