Primate Research Projects
Primate Behavior
Affiliated research scientists at the Institute of Human Origins study nonhuman primates through various research projects. Our scientists are investigating human cooperation using primate behavioral ecology and the evolution of chimpanzees. Researchers are working to answer questions about the evolution of chimpanzees and humans through long-term behavioral observations and demographic and genetic data. Graduate students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to conduct research under eminent primatologists Ian Gilby and Kevin Langergraber.
Ngogo Chimpanzee Research Project
The Ngogo Chimpanzee Project’s mission is to conduct scientific research on the Ngogo community of chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda, to conserve animal populations throughout the park, and to support the education of local people of all ages. The Ngogo chimpanzees have been featured in several wildlife documentaries, including Netflix’s Chimp Empire series (2023), the award-winning Rise of the Warrior Apes (2017), and Disney’s Chimpanzee (2012).
Gombe Chimpanzee Research Project
Our lab, led by Dr. Ian Gilby, is composed of graduate and undergraduate students at Arizona State University in Tempe Arizona. We work with the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania to investigate a wide variety of research questions regarding chimpanzee behavioral ecology.