Human Behavioural Ecology Research Group — Prof. Peeter Hõrak

Human Behavioural Ecology Research Group

Principal Investigator (PI) and Group Leader: Professor Peeter Hõrak, PhD

Affiliation:
Chair of Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences
University of Tartu, Estonia

About the Research Group

The Human Behavioural Ecology Research Group at the University of Tartu is led by Professor Peeter Hõrak. The group investigates human life-history evolution, focusing on the genetic and environmental determinants of variation in human traits and the action of natural selection in contemporary populations.

Our research examines variation in anthropometric, reproductive, life-history and cultural traits. We use large population-based datasets, including the Estonian Biobank, population and family registers, and historical anthropometric collections. The group collaborates with the Estonian Biobank and the Estonian Institute for Population Studies.

Principal Investigator

Peeter Hõrak, PhD is Professor of Behavioural Ecology at the University of Tartu and Principal Investigator of the Human Behavioural Ecology Research Group.

His research encompasses human behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology, life-history theory and natural selection. His earlier research includes avian immunoecology, animal personality, oxidative stress and physiological behavioural ecology, including studies of birds, fishes, insects and mammals.

Professor Hõrak received Estonian National Science Awards in 2002 (jointly) and 2013. He has extensive experience in doctoral supervision and teaches evolutionary ecology, ethology, evolutionary biology, parasitology and scientific research methodology.

Research Leadership and Funding

Professor Hõrak was the Principal Investigator of the Estonian Research Council team grant PRG1137 – Life-history evolution in contemporary society (2021–2025).

View the research project in the Estonian Research Information System (ETIS)

Research Group Members

• Peeter Hõrak – Principal Investigator and Group Leader
• Richard Meitern – Researcher
• Velda Lauringson – Doctoral Researcher

Academic Profile and Publications

Official University of Tartu staff profile

Academic CV – Estonian Research Information System (ETIS)

Publications – Google Scholar

Contact

Prof. Peeter Hõrak
Principal Investigator, Human Behavioural Ecology Research Group
University of Tartu
J. Liivi 2, Room 421
Tartu, Estonia

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +372 737 5075