After obtaining a degree in biological sciences (animal biology) from the University of Liège in 2002, Johann Delcourt obtained an advanced studies degree in science (still at Liège), and then embarked upon a doctorate as a funded research student through FRIA, and was winner of the René Comoth scholarship for 2007-2008. He became a doctor of science last May, defending a dissertation on “Structure and ontogenesis of school behaviour in two fish, members of the Cichlidae family: quantitative approach using automatic videotracking of Oreochromis niloticus and Pelvicachromis pulcher.” The new doctor was immediately put to work as a scientific researcher for the ULg. In August 2008 this transplanted Charleroi native won an award for the best communication poster at the “6th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research” held in Maastricht.

Selection of publications

DELCOURT J., BECCO Ch., VANDEWALLE N. & PONCIN P., 2009: A video multitracking system for quantification of individual behaviour in a large fish shoal: Advantages and limits. Behavior Research Methods 41: 228-235.

DELCOURT J., BECCO Ch., VANDEWALLE N. & PONCIN P., 2008: Advantages and limits of a video multitracking system for quantification of individual behaviour in a large fish shoal. Proceedings of Measuring Behavior 2008, 6th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research, Maastricht, The Netherlands, 26-29 August 2008, Edited by A.J. Spink, M.R. Ballintijn, F. Grieco, L.W.S. Loienjs, L.P.P.J. Noldus, G. Smit, and P.H. Zimmerman. Wageningen: Noldus Information Technology., pp.294-295.

DELCOURT J., 2008: Structure et ontogenèse des comportements de banc chez deux poissons Cichlidés : approche quantitative par l’utilisation du vidéotracking automatisé chez Oreochromis niloticus et Pelvicachromis pulcher. Thèse de doctorat en Sciences, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Liège, 333p.

BECCO Ch., VANDEWALLE N., DELCOURT J., PONCIN P., 2006- Experimental evidences of a structural and dynamical transition in fish school. Physica A 367: 487-493.

DELCOURT J., BECCO Ch., VANDEWALLE N. & PONCIN P., 2006: Comparing the EthoVision® 2.3 system and a new computerized multi-tracking prototype system to measure the swimming behavior in fry fish. Behavior Research Methods 38 (4): 704-710.