The human ability to imitate others, to "follow the crowd" is, arguably, central to the development of our individual behaviour patterns. Given this, greater understanding of the biological, psychological  and social mechanisms underlying mimesis and of their interaction with one another and with environmental factors is likely to help individuals to take control of the mimetic aspects of their own behaviour. Knowledge of mimetic factors is growing, but historical divisions between biological and social sciences stand in the way of syntheses.

This network explores the strategic value of the concept of "mimesis" in building relationships between biological and social sciences within the shared project of understanding individual behaviour. Mimesis is of significance in many areas but this network concentrates on substantive issues in individual health behaviour. Arguably, the various mechanisms underlying mimetic behaviour can be a powerful influence on health behaviours in both positive and negative directions. The network explores the role of mimetic factors in shaping individual decision-making, individual adaptation and resilience in response to epidemiological, social and environmental change and personal change over the life course.

The network is part of the innovative interdisciplinary ESRC programme "understanding Individual Behaviour" which was devised in collaboration with the MRC and the BBSRC. It's activities between March 2009 and March 2010 are funded by the ESRC and organised by Prof. Steve Fuller (PI), Dr. Nick Lee (Co-I), Dr. Frances Griffiths (Co-I) and Dr.  Ann Adams (Co-I).