Gorongosa Human Evolution Fieldschool

The field school combines intensive classroom teaching with practical laboratory training, field observations on primate ecology and social behaviour, palaeontological research and archaeological and palaeontological excavations.

Students work closely with researchers studying baboon behaviour, genetics and ecology. Palaeontological and archaeological sites have recently been discovered in Gorongosa National Park, which researchers are excavating and analysing. This gives students the unique opportunity to be part of the discovery, documentation and scientific analysis processes and to learn first-hand how palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists work in the area.

Thus, students participate in the documentation and analysis of faunal collections of modern vertebrates in different environments of the park with the aim of understanding the behaviour and fossilisation processes of species in the past. This environment is therefore unique in the world, making it possible to train students in an international research environment, with a theoretical and practical context in the area of human evolution.

Operating Mode

The course will run from 12 to 24 July 2026, with daily sessions taking place in Gorongosa National Park.

Travel is the responsibility of each student, and scholarships may be available for Mozambican students. The free course may be cancelled due to force majeure.

The local infrastructure is provided by Gorongosa National Park, namely accommodation and lodging, as well as internal transport, laboratories and use of equipment.