I am sharing a request for the support of my research program on the significance of animal societies to the survival of species ranging from elephants and lions to certain fish, lizards, and birds that live in similarly stable groups, with likely ramifications concerning the stability of human societies. The project was funded from 2023 through 2025 by the Templeton Foundation, but unfortunately that organization does not allow renewals beyond three years.
.
My research indicates that societies across species are ephemeral and shift in ways we need to better understand to reduce social tensions during times of transition. I've been addressing this topic with both fellow biologists and sociologists, psychologists, political scientists, and anthropologists, most recently by organizing a multidisciplinary think tank that was hosted by the Department of Psychology at Yale. 
.
Your contribution will also enable me to continue my efforts in bringing together leading scientists and artists at Sea Island in Georgia, something I've been proud to do for the last twelve years (and where every couple years I update everyone on the research just described); among them have been Nobel Laureates from every category; Fields Medalists, Pulitzer, MacArthur, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy award winners, and other eminent individuals across just about every imaginable field of endeavor.
.
Support can be sent by way of my project host and fiscal sponsor, the Independent Media Institute, by simply providing my name in the description line:
.

Account number: 592976008 

Routing number:  021000021 

Bank Name: JP Morgan Chase Bank 

Address: 270 Park Avenue, 43rd floor New York, NY 10017 

Questions, IMI Development Contact: lizzie@ind.media 

 Here are some recent interviews to give you some idea of the work I've accomplished lately:
.
For the biology journal, American Entomologist, proclaiming me a “Legend in Entomology:" on their website; PDF.
For the sociology journal, Theory & Society: on their website; PDF.
For the professional photography journal, Eye of Photography: on their website; PDF.
For the Society of Personality and Social Psychology: on their website; PDF.
For the American Journal of Play: on their website; PDF.
For Psychology Today: on their website.
For Sun magazine: on their website; PDF.
For Atavist magazine: on their website; PDF.
For Harvard magazine: on their website; PDF.
My exhibit for the Venice Biennale.
Thank you for considering this request. Please write me at moffettmw@si.edu if you have an questions.
.
Mark
.
Mark W Moffett, PhD
Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian
Visiting Scholar,  Department of Human Evolution,  Harvard University
.
Mark studying forest elephants in the Central African Republic, 2025.