On the edge of discovery
Connecting the human past to the global future
Transdisciplinary research from fossils to genomics
Impact of the "Lucy" discovery—50 year anniversary
The Institute of Human Origins is one of the preeminent research organizations in the world devoted to the science of human origins
A research center of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Institute of Human Origins (IHO) pursues an integrative strategy for research and discovery central to our founding mission—bridging social, earth, and life science approaches to the most important questions concerning the course, causes, and timing of events in the human career over deep time.
IHO’s strategic vision reaches across the broadest range of transdisciplinary research to create novel approaches to the solution of pressing and newly emerging scientific questions relevant to our society—from the emergence of modern humans in Africa, and human behavioral and genetic adaptations to a changing planet, to what understanding the behavioral ecology of nonhuman primates informs us about how we developed culture and cooperation.
IHO fosters awareness of our place in nature and relevance of our deep past to modern society through innovative outreach programs that provide timely and accurate information for both educators and the public.
IHO researchers are changing the paradigm of human origins research through—
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Continuing a legacy of high-profile discoveries
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Pursuing how the earliest modern humans evolved before and after the great diaspora out of Africa
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Excavating deep earth cores to examine how global climate affects human evolution
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Exploring the emergence of uniquely human attributes and understanding our species development and its indelible impact on the planet
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Investigating what nonhuman primates tell us about how our ancient ancestors developed cooperative behaviors
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Using DNA research to open new paths to ancient human origins and the genetic bases of primate behavior
Celebrate Lucy 50
2024 was the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Lucy— a Year for Human Origins! During the year, IHO hosted an international symposium, produced a monthly "master class" lecture series by IHO scientists, and presented IHO Founding Director Donald Johanson on stage at the 92nd Street Y with New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer. Explore why Lucy's discovery still matters!
IHO's Home
IHO's headquarters is in the Rob and Melani Walton Center for Planetary Health—ASU's newest premier research facility. IHO's administrative and faculty offices, teaching and research labs, and student spaces are on the second floor and are the culmination of a 25-year vision for IHO at ASU and the aspirations of IHO leadership and supporters. Please visit!
Know the Facts
Want to know more about the Institute of Human Origins? Explore our facts page to learn about our history, funding, faculty, students, and more
Help us search for our origins!
An investment in the Institute of Human Origins helps to fund student scholarships, support research in laboratories and field sites, and meet the growing needs of our researchers and students. Please help us continue the search!
JGI at ASU!
Support the Jane Goodall Institute Research Archive at ASU! ASU's Institute of Human Origins will soon house the physical materials of the Jane Goodall Institute Gombe Research Archive—over 60 years of handwritten observations of wild chimpanzees in Gombe National Park. Help to protect this irreplaceable resource!
Kimbel Impact Lecture
The Third Annual Bill Kimbel Impact Lecture i is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 lecture. Donate directly to the Bill Kimbel Impact Fund Endowment.
Featured News
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