The Leakey Foundation – USA

Multidisciplinary Research and Funding

The Leakey Foundation promotes a multidisciplinary approach to exploring human origins. Annually, the Foundation awards more than $800,000 in field and laboratory grants to support vital new research and long-term projects. Special encouragement is given to early career scientists who are asking innovative questions and seeking new ways to understand human evolution. Similar to venture capitalists, the Foundation recognizes that the greatest rewards often come from taking significant risks.

Historical Background

Dr. Louis S. B. Leakey, one of the 20th century's most influential anthropologists, was a fervent advocate for science education and public outreach. During his travels to the United States in the 1960s to lecture and raise funds for his research, Dr. Leakey encountered a group of individuals deeply interested in human origins. Inspired by his work and ideas, they established a collective to promote a multidisciplinary approach to human origins research. In 1968, The Leakey Foundation was formed to support the fieldwork of Louis and Mary Leakey, as well as the pioneering research of young scientists like Jane Goodall, Don Johanson, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas.

Early Impact and Ongoing Support

In its first decade, The Leakey Foundation funded many seminal studies that significantly advanced our understanding of human prehistory. Today, the Foundation continues to support critical research conducted by prominent scientists such as Zeresenay Alemseged, Jill Pruetz, Dan Lieberman, Frederick Grine, Sileshi Semaw, and others. Many of the leading researchers in human origins received their initial support from The Leakey Foundation, highlighting its role in nurturing future leaders in the field.

Education and Public Outreach

Education and public outreach have been central to The Leakey Foundation since its inception. Originally aimed at supporting the research of Louis and Mary Leakey, the Foundation's outreach efforts have expanded significantly over the years. For over four decades, the Annual Speaker Series on Human Origins has offered the public opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research directly from leading scientists.

Expanding Reach

In recent years, The Leakey Foundation has broadened its reach through various new programs. The Origin Stories Podcast, the Foundation’s YouTube channel, and an extensive online and social media presence have all been developed to engage a wider audience. These initiatives aim to make the latest research in human origins accessible and exciting to people worldwide.