Alexander Weiss

Alexander Weiss is an Honorary Professor of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. His research focuses on personality, well-being, and intelligence across species, including nonhuman primates, humans, and other animals. He holds a PhD from the University of Arizona and has conducted postdoctoral research at the National Institute on Aging.

Education:

• B.A. Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles (1993)
• M.A. Comparative Psychology, California State University, Long Beach (1996)
• PhD Psychology, University of Arizona (2002)
• Postdoctoral IRTA Fellowship, National Institute on Aging (2002–2005)

Research emphasizes evolutionary origins of personality, behavioral genetics, and links between psychological traits and health outcomes. His work spans primatology, ethology, and quantitative methodology, with notable studies on chimpanzee lifespan predictions and marmoset cortisol-genotype relationships. He has co-edited books on nonhuman primate welfare, animal behavior genetics, and personality assessment across species.

Publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches, combining behavioral ecology with molecular biology. Current projects explore evolutionary continuity in psychological traits and health correlates. No formal student advising roles are listed, though collaborative grants and international research networks are active.