Bence Viola

Bence Viola is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Toronto. His research examines hominin interactions during the late Pleistocene through morphological, genetic, and archaeological lenses, with fieldwork concentrated in Central/Northern Asia (Altai Mountains, Sel’ungur Cave) and Central Europe. He collaborates internationally with institutions in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

Education includes a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Vienna (2009).

Research interests span palaeoanthropology, ancient DNA analysis, Neanderthal-Denisovan-modern human interactions, and hominin evolution. Key regions include Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe, with methodological emphases on fossil morphology, genomic sequencing, and archaeological stratigraphy.

Publications (2004–2014) focus on ancient hominin genomics, Pleistocene migrations, and fossil analysis, frequently published in high-impact journals like Nature and PNAS. Trends include Neanderthal/Denisovan genetics, Central Asian fieldwork, and dental morphology.

Advises graduate students: Chris Kendall, Devin Ward, Klara Komza, Jessica Wollmann.

Leads fieldwork at Sel’ungur Cave (Kyrgyzstan) and coordinates multinational teams studying late Neanderthals in Central Europe.