Martin Fieder

Martin Fieder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Vienna, specializing in evolutionary anthropology and behavioral biology. His work bridges biology, anthropology, and sociology to understand contemporary human behavior through an evolutionary lens. He is actively involved in research on social status, reproduction, migration, and religious behavior, with numerous publications in leading scientific journals.

Education:

• 1984: A-Level
• 1984: Began Psychology studies at University of Vienna
• 1985-1995: Biology/Behavioral Biology at University of Vienna
• 1989-1996: Informatics at Technical University of Vienna
• 1995: Master's Thesis on "Steroids and Song Learning in the Chaffinch"
• 1998: Dr. rer nat. at University of Vienna with thesis on "Quality of Movement in Courtship Behaviour"

Fieder's research focuses on the evolutionary underpinnings of human social behavior, particularly examining how biological factors influence modern societal patterns. His work spans evolutionary demography, behavior genetics, and the study of social status and reproduction. He investigates the evolutionary basis of religious behavior, human migration patterns, and in-group vs. out-group dynamics, applying biological perspectives to understand contemporary social phenomena. His approach emphasizes Spinoza's principle of understanding rather than judging human actions.

His recent publications reveal consistent focus on how evolutionary pressures shape modern human behavior, particularly in areas of reproduction, social status, and group dynamics. Fieder frequently employs large-scale demographic data and genomic analysis to examine patterns in human mating, fertility, and social behavior. His work often bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries, connecting evolutionary theory with sociological and anthropological observations.

Fieder serves as an Associated Editor for Frontiers in Psychology in the section "Evolutionary Psychology and Neuroscience" and has reviewed for numerous prestigious journals including Proceedings B, Biology Letters, and Evolution and Human Behavior. He mentors approximately seven Master's students and teaches courses on evolutionary anthropology, behavioral genetics, and evolutionary demography at the University of Vienna.