Human Evolution Research Institute at University of Cape Town
@heriuct.bsky.social
Our work drives transformative research on the African record of human evolution. Learn more: https://linktr.ee/heri.uct
#WomeninScience in #SouthAfrica ⚒️
HERI Master’s student Marang Keebine studies past #climate & environmental change using sediments from an ancient lake in the Karoo.
Her work sheds light on how dry landscapes responded to drought and rainfall – and how we can respond today.
HERI Master’s student Marang Keebine studies past #climate & environmental change using sediments from an ancient lake in the Karoo.
Her work sheds light on how dry landscapes responded to drought and rainfall – and how we can respond today.
February 4, 2026 at 8:01 AM
#WomeninScience in #SouthAfrica ⚒️
HERI Master’s student Marang Keebine studies past #climate & environmental change using sediments from an ancient lake in the Karoo.
Her work sheds light on how dry landscapes responded to drought and rainfall – and how we can respond today.
HERI Master’s student Marang Keebine studies past #climate & environmental change using sediments from an ancient lake in the Karoo.
Her work sheds light on how dry landscapes responded to drought and rainfall – and how we can respond today.
Thrilled to share that the 2025 SAJS paper with the highest attention score was led by our @palaeoprotpalesa.bsky.social, with nearly 4,000 abstract views!
The study identified 2 Myr-old proteins from Paranthropus robustus, revealing biological sex & genetic variability
sajs.co.za/article/view...
The study identified 2 Myr-old proteins from Paranthropus robustus, revealing biological sex & genetic variability
sajs.co.za/article/view...
January 28, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Thrilled to share that the 2025 SAJS paper with the highest attention score was led by our @palaeoprotpalesa.bsky.social, with nearly 4,000 abstract views!
The study identified 2 Myr-old proteins from Paranthropus robustus, revealing biological sex & genetic variability
sajs.co.za/article/view...
The study identified 2 Myr-old proteins from Paranthropus robustus, revealing biological sex & genetic variability
sajs.co.za/article/view...
Reposted by Human Evolution Research Institute at University of Cape Town
Reminder: ASAPA abstract deadline 31 Jan ⏰
We invite abstracts for our session on the Pleistocene record of the Kalahari and interior southern Africa, including comparative studies with other regions of southern Africa or Africa.
Submit via the ASAPA portal: asapa2026.co.za/submissions....
We invite abstracts for our session on the Pleistocene record of the Kalahari and interior southern Africa, including comparative studies with other regions of southern Africa or Africa.
Submit via the ASAPA portal: asapa2026.co.za/submissions....
January 21, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Reminder: ASAPA abstract deadline 31 Jan ⏰
We invite abstracts for our session on the Pleistocene record of the Kalahari and interior southern Africa, including comparative studies with other regions of southern Africa or Africa.
Submit via the ASAPA portal: asapa2026.co.za/submissions....
We invite abstracts for our session on the Pleistocene record of the Kalahari and interior southern Africa, including comparative studies with other regions of southern Africa or Africa.
Submit via the ASAPA portal: asapa2026.co.za/submissions....
Did you know?
Early humans in #SouthAfrica were making spears 500,000 years ago.
These stone points from the #archaeology site of Kathu Pan 1 have impact damage, hafting marks & shapes perfectly suited for spear use — revealing surprisingly advanced weapon technology.
Early humans in #SouthAfrica were making spears 500,000 years ago.
These stone points from the #archaeology site of Kathu Pan 1 have impact damage, hafting marks & shapes perfectly suited for spear use — revealing surprisingly advanced weapon technology.
January 21, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Did you know?
Early humans in #SouthAfrica were making spears 500,000 years ago.
These stone points from the #archaeology site of Kathu Pan 1 have impact damage, hafting marks & shapes perfectly suited for spear use — revealing surprisingly advanced weapon technology.
Early humans in #SouthAfrica were making spears 500,000 years ago.
These stone points from the #archaeology site of Kathu Pan 1 have impact damage, hafting marks & shapes perfectly suited for spear use — revealing surprisingly advanced weapon technology.
Imagine surviving in the Kalahari thousands of years ago—one of #Africa’s driest environments.
Evidence shows that early humans didn’t just endure it; they adapted with remarkable skill.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content/surviving-the-drylands-stone-tools-as-evidence-of-early-social-networks
Evidence shows that early humans didn’t just endure it; they adapted with remarkable skill.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content/surviving-the-drylands-stone-tools-as-evidence-of-early-social-networks
January 14, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Imagine surviving in the Kalahari thousands of years ago—one of #Africa’s driest environments.
Evidence shows that early humans didn’t just endure it; they adapted with remarkable skill.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content/surviving-the-drylands-stone-tools-as-evidence-of-early-social-networks
Evidence shows that early humans didn’t just endure it; they adapted with remarkable skill.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content/surviving-the-drylands-stone-tools-as-evidence-of-early-social-networks
New work by HERI's @drpeechiwara.bsky.social & colleagues reviews Middle Stone Age evidence in #Africa to explore how early humans built complex social networks
Looking at context & patterns, the paper sheds light on the deep roots of human cooperation & collaboration.
doi.org/10.17159/saj...
Looking at context & patterns, the paper sheds light on the deep roots of human cooperation & collaboration.
doi.org/10.17159/saj...
January 7, 2026 at 8:01 AM
New work by HERI's @drpeechiwara.bsky.social & colleagues reviews Middle Stone Age evidence in #Africa to explore how early humans built complex social networks
Looking at context & patterns, the paper sheds light on the deep roots of human cooperation & collaboration.
doi.org/10.17159/saj...
Looking at context & patterns, the paper sheds light on the deep roots of human cooperation & collaboration.
doi.org/10.17159/saj...
Women in science in #Africa 🌍
Christina Mutinda, a HERI PhD candidate at @UCT_news, explores how early humans adapted to changing environments.
Using fossils, isotopes and ecological clues, she reconstructs East Africa’s Early Pleistocene habitats, when Paranthropus boisei roamed.
Christina Mutinda, a HERI PhD candidate at @UCT_news, explores how early humans adapted to changing environments.
Using fossils, isotopes and ecological clues, she reconstructs East Africa’s Early Pleistocene habitats, when Paranthropus boisei roamed.
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Women in science in #Africa 🌍
Christina Mutinda, a HERI PhD candidate at @UCT_news, explores how early humans adapted to changing environments.
Using fossils, isotopes and ecological clues, she reconstructs East Africa’s Early Pleistocene habitats, when Paranthropus boisei roamed.
Christina Mutinda, a HERI PhD candidate at @UCT_news, explores how early humans adapted to changing environments.
Using fossils, isotopes and ecological clues, she reconstructs East Africa’s Early Pleistocene habitats, when Paranthropus boisei roamed.
HERI’s Dr Rieneke Weij has led a rare update of U-Th & U-Pb dating in palaeoscience.
Published with our Dr Tara Edwards, the review highlights advances & potential for carbonate geochronology — and the implications for #humanevolution research.
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Published with our Dr Tara Edwards, the review highlights advances & potential for carbonate geochronology — and the implications for #humanevolution research.
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
December 10, 2025 at 10:21 AM
HERI’s Dr Rieneke Weij has led a rare update of U-Th & U-Pb dating in palaeoscience.
Published with our Dr Tara Edwards, the review highlights advances & potential for carbonate geochronology — and the implications for #humanevolution research.
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Published with our Dr Tara Edwards, the review highlights advances & potential for carbonate geochronology — and the implications for #humanevolution research.
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
105,000 years ago, Homo sapiens left their mark at Gamohana Hill North Rockshelter in the Kalahari. They crafted points from galaxy tuff, a 2.4-billion-year-old glass-like stone. Not just a rock, but evidence of skill, planning, and ingenuity.
📖 Read more at
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
📖 Read more at
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
December 3, 2025 at 8:01 AM
105,000 years ago, Homo sapiens left their mark at Gamohana Hill North Rockshelter in the Kalahari. They crafted points from galaxy tuff, a 2.4-billion-year-old glass-like stone. Not just a rock, but evidence of skill, planning, and ingenuity.
📖 Read more at
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
📖 Read more at
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
HERI’s Drs @drpeechiwara.bsky.social & Ben Schoville are organising a session at ASAPA 2026 on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Researchers working in these regions are invited to submit abstracts and join the discussion.
asapa2026.co.za
Researchers working in these regions are invited to submit abstracts and join the discussion.
asapa2026.co.za
November 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
HERI’s Drs @drpeechiwara.bsky.social & Ben Schoville are organising a session at ASAPA 2026 on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Researchers working in these regions are invited to submit abstracts and join the discussion.
asapa2026.co.za
Researchers working in these regions are invited to submit abstracts and join the discussion.
asapa2026.co.za
Reposted by Human Evolution Research Institute at University of Cape Town
New publication alert!‼️ Wrapping up 2025 with my fifth paper of the year in the SAJS!
The paper reviews how stone tools reveal social connections, noting similar patterns can also arise independently and suggesting ways to better distinguish the two. 💫
🔗 doi.org/10.17159/saj...
The paper reviews how stone tools reveal social connections, noting similar patterns can also arise independently and suggesting ways to better distinguish the two. 💫
🔗 doi.org/10.17159/saj...
November 26, 2025 at 12:32 PM
New publication alert!‼️ Wrapping up 2025 with my fifth paper of the year in the SAJS!
The paper reviews how stone tools reveal social connections, noting similar patterns can also arise independently and suggesting ways to better distinguish the two. 💫
🔗 doi.org/10.17159/saj...
The paper reviews how stone tools reveal social connections, noting similar patterns can also arise independently and suggesting ways to better distinguish the two. 💫
🔗 doi.org/10.17159/saj...
Why is #TaungChild one of the most important fossils in the world?
Find out in our new podcast, which tells the story of how one fossil challenged colonial narratives & scientific authority to show human origins lie in #Africa
Listen to all episodes now🔊
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Find out in our new podcast, which tells the story of how one fossil challenged colonial narratives & scientific authority to show human origins lie in #Africa
Listen to all episodes now🔊
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
November 26, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Why is #TaungChild one of the most important fossils in the world?
Find out in our new podcast, which tells the story of how one fossil challenged colonial narratives & scientific authority to show human origins lie in #Africa
Listen to all episodes now🔊
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Find out in our new podcast, which tells the story of how one fossil challenged colonial narratives & scientific authority to show human origins lie in #Africa
Listen to all episodes now🔊
www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
Reposted by Human Evolution Research Institute at University of Cape Town
ASAPA 2026 Call for Abstracts is open!
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
November 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
ASAPA 2026 Call for Abstracts is open!
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Ben Schoville and I are organising a session on Pleistocene adaptations in the Kalahari and other interior drylands of southern Africa.
Working in these landscapes? We’d love your contribution.
Submit here: asapa2026.co.za
Deadline: 31 Jan 2026
Ancient tooth proteins reveal the biological sex and genetic diversity of Paranthropus robustus.
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
November 19, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Ancient tooth proteins reveal the biological sex and genetic diversity of Paranthropus robustus.
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by Dr. Palesa Madupe of the University of Copenhagen and UCT’s HERI, this study provides the oldest human genetic data from Africa.
🔗 www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Flowstones from the Cradle of Humankind in #SouthAfrica reveal no evidence of intrusion.
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
November 12, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Flowstones from the Cradle of Humankind in #SouthAfrica reveal no evidence of intrusion.
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
New work, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, counters arguments that the flowstones are uniform & intrusive, adding support for their role in dating fossils.
🔗 www.heriuct.co.za/news-content...
🦴 The #TaungChild fossil changed how we understand human origins in #Africa. Its story is shaped by prejudice, rivalry and hidden hands.
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
November 5, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🦴 The #TaungChild fossil changed how we understand human origins in #Africa. Its story is shaped by prejudice, rivalry and hidden hands.
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
🎧 Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child from HERI and ARC explores its history and legacy.
Listen here 👉 linktr.ee/arcdocs
Science is stronger when every voice is heard. At HERI, diversity drives discovery, challenges assumptions, and creates richer stories of our shared human story.
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Science is stronger when every voice is heard. At HERI, diversity drives discovery, challenges assumptions, and creates richer stories of our shared human story.
Applications are open for the 2025 Student Development Workshop (SDW) at Skukuza, Kruger National Park! 🌿🦓
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Applications are open for the 2025 Student Development Workshop (SDW) at Skukuza, Kruger National Park! 🌿🦓
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
A great opportunity for students in archaeology & heritage management.
📅 6–10 Dec 2025
See details on SAASS social media & website: www.saassarchaeology.com/upcoming-eve...
Africa’s caves are timekeepers of climate and life. 🌍
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
October 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Africa’s caves are timekeepers of climate and life. 🌍
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
An all-women research team, led by HERI’s Georgina Luti, has revealed how rock layers called speleothems record shifts in Africa’s past and help us date fossils more reliably.
#WomenInScience & rooted in Africa.
HERI brings #Africa to the heart of #humanevolution research, blending innovation, inclusivity and transformative training. From ancient biomolecules to archaeology, we’re shaping a more ethical and African-centered science.
October 15, 2025 at 8:00 AM
HERI brings #Africa to the heart of #humanevolution research, blending innovation, inclusivity and transformative training. From ancient biomolecules to archaeology, we’re shaping a more ethical and African-centered science.
The #TaungChild has been silent for over 2 million years — until now.
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
October 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The #TaungChild has been silent for over 2 million years — until now.
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
Our new podcast takes you back to 1924 #SouthAfrica, where one fossil would upend colonial narratives to centre human origins #Africa.
🌍Unburied Season 2: The Taung Child
🔗 Listen: linktr.ee/arcdocs
HERI made a podcast! 🎧 With ARC DOCS we bring the #TaungChild story to life - not for academics but everyone interested in humanity.
Commemorate 100 years since the fossil centred human origins in #Africa by listening NOW!
Unburied Season 2🔗 Listen linktr.ee/arcdocs
Commemorate 100 years since the fossil centred human origins in #Africa by listening NOW!
Unburied Season 2🔗 Listen linktr.ee/arcdocs
September 29, 2025 at 4:20 PM
HERI made a podcast! 🎧 With ARC DOCS we bring the #TaungChild story to life - not for academics but everyone interested in humanity.
Commemorate 100 years since the fossil centred human origins in #Africa by listening NOW!
Unburied Season 2🔗 Listen linktr.ee/arcdocs
Commemorate 100 years since the fossil centred human origins in #Africa by listening NOW!
Unburied Season 2🔗 Listen linktr.ee/arcdocs
📍 Sunday morning at #campHERI, camping at the West Coast Fossil Park: Participants took part in a stone tool knapping exercise, engaging with ancient technologies through hands-on learning in an immersive outdoor setting.
September 28, 2025 at 11:45 AM
📍 Sunday morning at #campHERI, camping at the West Coast Fossil Park: Participants took part in a stone tool knapping exercise, engaging with ancient technologies through hands-on learning in an immersive outdoor setting.
This sexual harassment workshop, led by our Co-director Rebecca Ackermann, is one of the most important parts of #campHERI.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
September 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM
This sexual harassment workshop, led by our Co-director Rebecca Ackermann, is one of the most important parts of #campHERI.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.
The session invites women to share experiences, learnings and concerns about harassment in the field.