Mark Elgar

11

Articles

17

Comments

I am an evolutionary biologist, interested in the role of natural and sexual selection in shaping animal social and sexual behavour. We currently focus on the role of chemical signals and the diversity of receptor organs (antennae) in chemical communication in terrestrial invertebrates, including spiders and insects. While the primary focus of my research addresses fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, we have conducted more ‘applied’ research in the fields of forensic entomology, pest management, captive breeding programs and air pollution.

I have recently retired and during my career, I was Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (2014–2024); Editor-in-Chief of the journals Behavioral Ecology (2006–2011), and the Australian Journal of Zoology (2007–2011); Associate (Handling) Editor of Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (1994–2016); and member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Ethology (2005–2025). I was Associate Dean (Postgraduate Programs) of the Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, and a Member of the Council of the University of Melbourne.

Experience

  • 2025–present
    Professor Emeritus, University of Melbourne
  • 2005–2025
    Professor, University of Melbourne
  • 1989–1990
    Queen Elizabeth II Research Fellow, University of New South Wales
  • 1987–1989
    University Research Fellow, University of New South Wales
  • 1985–1987
    Science and Engineering Research Fellow, University of Oxford

Education

  • 1985 
    University of Cambridge, PhD
  • 1985 
    Christ's College, Cambridge, PhD
  • 1980 
    Griffith University, BSc (Hons)

Research Areas

  • Evolutionary Biology (0603)
  • Animal Behaviour (060801)

Contact Mark for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision
Friend of The Conversation
What is this? Become a friend.