Evolutionary biologist and professor at Rutgers University, known for foundational contributions to evolutionary theory including the concepts of reciprocal altruism, parental investment, and self-deception. Trivers received research funding from the Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation and has spoken candidly about the relationship, stating he later came to regret the association. He has publicly discussed Epstein's practice of cultivating scientists through financial donations and has been critical of institutions that accepted Epstein's money without scrutiny.
Trivers is also the recipient of the Royal Swedish Academy's Crafoord Prize and has been described by Richard Dawkins as one of the most influential evolutionary theorists of the twentieth century.