Voyages Series to feature best-selling author Brian Hare
East Carolina University will conclude the 2025-26 Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Voyages of Discovery Series with Duke University professor and author Dr. Brian Hare at 7 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Main Campus Student Center.
Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology, psychology and neuroscience, and a best-selling author on the psychology of dogs, among other topics, will speak about “Survival of the Friendliest.”
Hare is a core member of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 2004. In 2005, following his work at the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, Germany, he was awarded the Sofia Kovalevskaja Award, Germany’s most prestigious award for scientists under the age of 40.
Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and best-selling author of “Puppy Kindergarten,” will visit ECU as the Voyages Series’ spring guest. (Contributed photo)
In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named Hare one of the top 35 scientists under 36. He has published more than 100 scientific papers, and his research has received consistent national and international attention. In 2019, Hare and his research were featured in Steven Spielberg’s documentary series “Why We Hate.”
In 2024, Hare and his wife and research partner, Vanessa Woods, were featured in the Netflix documentary “Inside the Mind of Dogs,” which explores the emotional aspects of dogs. The series also showcases Duke’s Canine Cognition Center, where Hare and Woods train puppies as service dogs.
Hare is the author of several best-selling books with Woods, including “The Genius of Dogs,” “Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity” and “Puppy Kindergarten.” His second book, “Survival of the Friendliest,” was an international bestseller and won the Smart Book of the Year for 2022.
“Hare will wrap up our season with insights from some of our friendliest family members (dogs), unpacking what we can learn from the evolution of man’s best friend to build a better future together,” said Ashley Harzog, Harriot College director of alumni relations and outreach. “With expertise in cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary anthropology, we are looking forward to Hare providing an equally informative and inspiring opportunity to learn about how collaboration and connection are essential elements of our shared humanity.”
Learn more about Hare and watch a couple of short videos, including Brian and Vanessa on Why They Study Puppies and on the topic of Survival of the Friendliest on National Geographic.
A special-access reception with Hare is scheduled before the main Voyages event. Receptions and presentations are in the Main Campus Student Center, Room 249 and the ballrooms, respectively. Tickets to the reception and discussion are available through the ECU Central Ticket Office.
The 7 p.m. Voyages presentation is free for ECU faculty, staff and students. Tickets are required. Visit the Voyages website for additional information and options for free access with an ECU 1 Card. Questions may be directed to thcas@ecu.edu.
All event dates, times and locations are subject to change. Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 252-737-1018 or email ada-coordinator@ecu.ecu at least one week before the event.
The series is made possible through contributions from Harriot College’s Dean’s Advancement Council, university and community organizations, and many additional friends and supporters. For more information or to contribute, visit Support the Series.