Robert Martin, Translator in Zürich, Switzerland

Overview

I have accumulated extensive experience in academic research, publication, education and administration, over the course of which I have successfully supervised 35 PhD theses to completion. In addition to 300 academic publications of various kinds, I have published a major textbook on primate evolution and a trade book on the evolution of human reproduction, which are my two primary fields of interest. As a result of prolific publication in scientific journals and edited books, I have acquired vast practical experience of scientific writing, editing and proof-reading. These are skills that I have passed on to many co-workers and students.

As a result of 12 years spent as a Curator at the Field Museum of Natural History, I have also acquired hands-on experience with various forms of public education. That, in combination with writing a successful trade book linked to the practical background of writing almost 100 blog pieces over an 8-year period for Psychology Today, has greatly honed my skills in communicating scientific information to a general public as well as academic audiences. In addition to the UK and the USA, I have held senior positions in France, Germany and Switzerland, including working extensively with documentation in French and German. I have also translated several books by other authors from German or French into English, in addition as translating my trade book from English into German.

Testimonials:

French-English translation "Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide" by Jean-Jacques Petter (2013):

“Princeton has taken a French book and expanded the audience by publishing it in English. Normally such translations suffer from odd phrases that identify the translator as a non-naturalist. The translator has created an excellent rendition that reads smoothly and is easy to comprehend.”

From a review by Roy John in Canadian Field Naturalist (2013).

“Originally published in French, the English version of this stunningly beautiful book is elegantly translated.”

From a review by Sylvie in Scoop on Primates (2013)

French-English translation of "Wattana: An Orangutan in Paris" by Chris Herzfeld (2016):

“I enjoyed the three of us working together. I have fond memories of it. If I hear that any of my French research friends need an outstanding translator, I'll give them my best recommendation.” From an eMail message sent by the author in May 2024.

German-English translation of "Relativity of Evolution" by Markus Knoflacher (in press):

“Thank you very much for your excellent and fast translation! It is a pleasure to cooperate with you.” Email message from the author, 3 February 2024.

“I am the Springer in-house editor for the book "Relativity of Evolution" by Markus Knoflacher, which you translated. (Thank you for doing such a great job!)” Email message from Executive Editor at Springer Verlag, April 25, 2024.

Services

Book Translation

Non-Fiction

Life Sciences Nature

Languages

French to English German to English

Work experience

Emeritus Professor & Academic Guest

Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland

Mar, 2016 — Present

As an honorary member of the Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, I remain active in research, publication and university teaching, partly in English and partly in German. In addition to translating two academic books from French into English and one from German into English (currently in press), I also translated my own trade book on human reproduction from English into German.

Curator of Biological Anthropology (now Curator Emeritus)

The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA

Sep, 2001 — Dec, 2013 (about 12 years)

For my first 6 years at The Field Museum, I was Provost for Academic Affairs and simultaneously Curator of Biological Anthropology. I was responsible for the administration of a scientific staff of 100. For my last 6 years, I was free of administrative responsibilities and engaged full-time in research, publication, participation in exhibits and museum education, in addition to undergraduate teaching at the University of Chicago.

Director and Professor

Anthropological Institute & Museum, University of Zürich, Switzerland

Sep, 1969 — Aug, 1986 (almost 17 years)

As head of a university institute with 25 staff members, I had sole responsibility for research, lectures, oversight of a campus museum and administration. From Day 1, I performed all duties in German, both spoken and written.

Professor of Biological Anthropology

Deaprtment of Anthropology, University College London, UK

Sep, 1969 — Aug, 1986 (almost 17 years)

This was my first academic appointment, in which I rose through the ranks from lecturer to professor (with a personal chair). My main duties were lecturing and research, but I also translated 4 academic books from German into English and 5 from French into English.