Barbara Fischer

Barbara Fischer is an Elise Richter Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Vienna, Department of Evolutionary Biology. Her research investigates the evolutionary biomechanics of human childbirth, combining geometric morphometrics, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary modeling to resolve the 'obstetric dilemma'.

Key contributions include the cliff-edge model of obstetric selection explaining rising Caesarean rates, analyses of sexual dimorphism in hominin pelves, and methods for skeletal age estimation using pubic symphysis morphology. Comparative work extends to Darwin's finches' self-medication behaviors and stickleback adaptation plasticity.

She develops statistical approaches for morphological integration studies and teaches biostatistics, mathematical biology, and evolutionary medicine. Recognized with an Elise Richter Fellowship and science communication awards.