Einstein static universes are unstable in generic f(R) models

We study Einstein static universes in the context of generic f(R) models. It is shown that Einstein static solutions exist for a wide variety of modified gravity models sourced by a barotropic perfect fluid with equation of state w=p/ρ, but these solutions are always unstable to either homogeneous or inhomogeneous perturbations. Our general results are in agreement with specific models investigated in that past. We also discuss how our techniques can be applied to other scenarios in f(R) gravity.