Frans de Waal, PhD

Frans B.M. de Waal, PhD, is one of the world’s best-known primatologists. Trained as a zoologist and ethologist in the European tradition at three Dutch universities (Nijmegen, Groningen and Utrecht), Dr. de Waal ultimately received his doctorate in biology from the University of Utrecht. Dr. de Waal began working with chimpanzees at the Yerkes Research Center and their close relatives, bonobos, at the San Diego Zoo in the 1980s. In 1991, Dr. de Waal accepted a joint position at Yerkes and in the psychology department of Emory University.

His current interests include cultural learning, behavioral economics, empathy, communication, social reciprocity and conflict-resolution in primates, as well as the origins of morality and justice in human society. Dr. de Waal was named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in 2007. In 2010, Dr. de Waal received the Dutch Order of the Lion. Given by Queen Beatrix, this award recognizes those who have rendered outstanding services to the community.

Dr. de Waal collaborates with a number of researchers at Yerkes, including Drs. Robert Hampton, James Herndon, William Hopkins, Lisa Parr and Todd Preuss.

He is a frequent speaker worldwide. To see a recent presentation Dr de Waal gave to TED Peachtree, click here.