Fish, football and flights of fancy

Name: Jens Krause

Age: 41

Job: Professor of behavioural ecology, Leeds University.

Background: First degree at the Free University Berlin, Germany, followed by an MPhil at Queens' College, Cambridge, and a PhD at St John's College, Cambridge. Postdocs at Mount Allison University, in Canada, and Princeton University, US. I was too young to get a permanent job in Germany so I applied to English universities. My research is into the social organisation of animals; we aim to further the understanding of consensus decision-making in animals (primarily using fish), and to shed light on the psychological and evolutionary origins of decision-making in humans.

Working hours and conditions: I travel a lot, mainly to Trinidad - to look at small freshwater fish - and to Kenya. When at Leeds I have to be very organised and willing to work long hours.

Number of students you teach: I lecture on two large courses (180 students each) in animal behaviour (second year) and behavioural ecology (third year) in addition to teaching on a field course in Kenya with about 20 MSc students. I have also developed a large, active research group with two postdocs and eight PhD students.

Biggest challenge this year: Adjusting to full economic costing (FEC) and dealing with the industrial action - very unsettling.

How you solved it: I tried to meet the FEC head-on by writing more grant applications than I normally do to learn what needed to be done.

Worst moment in university life: When I started as a lecturer I felt overwhelmed by the demands of bringing in grant money. It made me feel pressured and isolated. I took years to adjust to the role of a "science manager".

What is your office like? At least I can see a bit of sky and some plants outside - as a biologist that's important to me. In the winter, I often sit in the aquarium room where the tropical fish are. It gives me the illusion of being in the tropics.

Do you socialise with people at the university? I socialise with people from many different faculties - we meet for lunch or coffee. I also love to play football with students and colleagues.

Who are the most difficult people you deal with professionally and how do you cope with them? I clash with some administration directives. Health and safety regulations can be exasperating. I try to ignore some of these issues.