Anna Machin

Evolutionary Anthropologist

I’m an evolutionary anthropologist which means I study the influence that evolution has had upon human behaviour, physiology and anatomy. I am particularly interested in close human relationships: romantic partnerships, close friendships, parent/child bonds and relationships between close relatives. I study relationships using a range of tools encompassing genetics, neuroscience, psychology, behavioural science and physiology. I am particularly interested in how our brain motivates us to start and maintain our relationships and what causes people to be different in how they behave in and experience their relationships. I studied at Oxford Brookes University, University College London and completed my PhD at the University of Reading in 2006. I love being an anthropologist because at its core it is the study of humanity and I can use the theories and techniques from any discipline to help me do this so I never get bored! I am also evangelical about telling everyone about what I do so I enjoy attending Science Fairs and explaining my work on the TV and Radio. Most recently I have been involved on the Channel Four show Married at First Sight using what I have learnt from my research to help find life partners for the participants.

Royal Society Presentation on the Neuroscience of Love 

Anna has recenntly been involved in a project with BBCiWonder. Click on the link and find out if you are cut out for marriage http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zyp8k7h

Watch Anna in the second series of Married at First Sight where Anna appears as a scientific expert. Starts Tuesday18th October on Channel 4, 9pm