Events

Join us this November! 

Our bushy family tree: Insights from Afar

About the talk: Until the last decade, very few hominin fossils were known from eastern Africa between 3.0 and 2.5 million years ago, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of human origins. But that gap is beginning to close. Just as earlier discoveries showed that Lucy's species, Australopithecus afarensis, shared her world with other kinds of hominins, new finds from Ethiopia’s Afar region are revealing a more complex picture of this critical time interval. These discoveries reinforce that species diversity has always been part of our family story — unlike today, when only one species of human remains. This talk will explore the implications of these discoveries, reconstruct what life was like in the Afar in the past and consider the potential for future discoveries in the region.

When: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025

Where: Walton Center for Planetary Health
777 East University Drive, Tempe AZ 85287- 8404

Lecture: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ground level auditorium  #107

Start Times:

• VIP Reception 5:30 p.m.
• Lecture 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ticketed VIP reception: 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. $100.00 ticket purchase* will be held on the second floor patio. You are cordially invited to an exclusive VIP cocktail hour with the Institute of Human Origins. Join us for an evening of conversation and connection as you mix and mingle with IHO scientists and graduate students. This special gathering offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about IHO’s groundbreaking successes, learn about the innovative research currently underway and share in the vision for the future of discovery. 

Parking: Normal parking rates will apply for the Novus Parking Structure. The Novus garage on the northwest corner of University Drive and Rural Road has a bridge across University Drive from the third floor of the parking garage that leads to the second floor of the building where the VIP event will be held. 

Get tickets here!

*All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation, an independent private 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support ASU. Tax identification 86-6051042. Gifts in support of ASU are subject to foundation policies and fees. Due to the fair market value of benefits received, only payments in excess of fair market value may be considered a charitable contribution. This serves as the official tax receipt for the gift portion. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions. The ASU Foundation is not a recognized charity in Canada. Please contact www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving for more information.