Evripidis Gkanias

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About

Evripidis Gkanias is a computational neuroscientist whose research illuminates the remarkable navigational abilities of insects, with a particular focus on how they process celestial cues. His major contribution is a groundbreaking computational model of the insect polarised light compass, which explains how neural circuits transform skylight input into precise behavioural output for path integration. This work, published in 2019 and accumulating over 55 citations, bridges the gap between neural mechanisms and complex navigation behaviours, offering insights into how insects reliably return home using only the polarisation pattern of the sky. Gkanias’s model has become a foundational reference for researchers studying insect neuroethology and bio-inspired robotics. Beyond his compass work, he has explored predator evasion strategies, including a notable study on a "robocrab" that simulates escape behaviours. His interdisciplinary approach—combining computational modelling, neuroscience, and robotics—has positioned him as a key figure in understanding biological navigation systems, with implications for both evolutionary biology and the development of autonomous agents that can navigate without GPS.