The Human Evolution Research Institute (HERI) is an internationally recognised, multidisciplinary research team advancing human origins research through field discoveries, methodological innovation, laboratory development, and African-centred scientific leadership. HERI has published influential research in journals including Nature, Science, and Cell; established a world-class geochronology facility and is currently establishing Africa’s first palaeoproteomics preparation laboratory; and trained a diverse new generation of African researchers through initiatives including the Pan- African Consortium for Human Evolution (PANACHE) and their all-womxn field camps. HERI has also transformed public engagement with human origins through the award-winning HUMANITY museum exhibition and other initiatives, promoting decolonised, African-centred narratives that foreground diverse histories, challenge colonial legacies, and broaden participation in science.

The HERI Team includes Prof Rebecca Ackermann, who is an evolutionary anthropologist advancing research on human evolution, transformation, and African scientific leadership. Dr Wendy Black specialises in bioarchaeology, Khoesan population history, indigenous heritage, and socially responsive museum practice. Dr Precious Chiwara-Maenzanise investigates Early/ Middle Stone Age archaeology and adaptation in the southern Kalahari. Dr Palesa Madupe pioneers African palaeoproteomics and molecular analyses of ancient hominins. A/Prof Robyn Pickering and Dr Tara Edwards are geologists specialising in the geochronology and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of human evolution.

A/Prof Lauren Schroeder investigates skeletal variation and evolutionary processes shaping the human fossil record. HERI represents one of South Africa’s flagship research teams. Distinguished by its exceptional scientific excellence and pioneering research, international influence and leadership, and sustained contribution to knowledge production, HERI has firmly cemented South Africa’s position as one of the world’s leading hubs for palaeoanthropological and human origins research.