Katja Liebal

Katja Liebal is a Professor at the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Leipzig, where she has led the Human Biology and Primate Cognition group since 2020 and directed the LeipzigLab since 2024. She previously held academic positions at the Free University of Berlin (2009-2020) as a Professor of Comparative Developmental Psychology and a Junior Professor for Evolutionary Psychology, and as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth (2005-2008).

• Biology studies (Diploma), University of Leipzig (1995-2001)
• Doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (2001-2005)

Her research focuses on two central questions: (1) How human attitudes toward other living beings develop and vary across socio-cultural contexts, studied through interviews, behavioral studies, and anthropological methods in an international network spanning 18 countries. (2) The communicative and cognitive skills unique to humans versus shared with other primates, particularly through comparative analysis of gestural/facial communication and prosocial behavior in primates and children. This work combines species- and culture-comparative approaches with observational and non-invasive experimental methods.

Katja Liebal teaches Human Biology (Bachelor's programs) and Diversity of Cognition (Master's in Neuroscience and Behavior). Her areas of expertise include comparative psychology, behavioral research, and the evolution of social-cognitive abilities. She is active in interdisciplinary collaborations and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.