Turkana Basin Institute

02/06/2026

What did Eastern Africa's first pastoralists eat?
A new PNAS study analyzing more than 100 individuals from sites around Lake Turkana reveals remarkable dietary diversity among fisher-hunter-gatherers and early herders.
The findings show that the transition from fishing to pastoralism was not immediate. Early pastoralists maintained varied diets for centuries before more standardized food practices emerged. The study includes evidence from key Turkana Basin sites excavated by the Later Prehistory of West Turkana team with support from TBI.
Join us in congratulating Kendra Chritz and Turkana Holocene co-authors Elizabeth Sawchuk, Mary Prendergast, Thure Cerling, Steven Goldstein, Katherine Grillo, Anneke Janzen, Purity Kiura, Marta Lahr, Kyalo Manthi, Emmanuel Ndiema, Jensen Wainwright, and Elisabeth Hildebrand, as well as others involved in the study on their exciting PNAS paper: "Isotopic evidence for dietary variability among eastern Africa's first pastoralists"!

Click the link to read the paper: https://shorturl.at/gjsig

24/04/2026

The Earth Beneath Us is Changing
A new paper published in Nature Communications shows Eastern Africa’s Turkana Rift is actively breaking apart, offering an interesting window into how continents split and what that means for our understanding of human evolution.

“We found that rifting in this zone is more advanced, and the crust is thinner, than anyone had recognized,” says Christian Rowan, lead author of the study. “Eastern Africa has progressed further in the rifting process than previously thought.” Anne Bécel, co-author of the study, explained that the region has reached a critical stage where the Earth’s crust is breaking down, making it increasingly likely that the landmass will begin to separate.

Using high resolution seismic data, Rowan and colleagues, working in collaboration with the Turkana Basin Institute revealed that the thinning of the Earth’s crust beneath the Turkana Basin points to a critical stage in continental breakup, one that could, over geological time, lead to the formation of a new ocean.

Click here to read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-71663-x

24/04/2026

Have you read our Spring 2026 Newsletter? Stay connected for upcoming stories, opportunities, and insights from the field.
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24/04/2026

Have you read our Spring 2026 Newsletter? Stay connected for upcoming stories, opportunities, and insights from the field.
👉 Explore more here: https://shorturl.at/b2lil
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/4vZCT

21/04/2026

Turkana Basin Institute Director Search Now Open!

The search for the next Director of the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) is officially open. TBI and Stony Brook University(SBU), seek an experienced leader and accomplished scientist to guide the institute into its next phase of growth. The role will focus on strengthening TBI’s research infrastructure, maintaining its global leadership in the paleosciences, and expanding its regional education and outreach programs. Applications and nominations are now being accepted through the link below. We encourage you to share this opportunity widely within your networks or directly with colleagues who may be a strong fit.

Apply here: https://shorturl.at/urNKY

17/04/2026

TBI is slowly establishing itself as a hub for optical astronomy in Kenya. Astronomy Lead, Lekshmi Rajagopal was invited to the Connecting the Dots Science podcast where she shared perspectives on cultural astronomy including those of the Daasanach tribe native to Ileret, TBI initiatives that have increased access to astronomy training and research, and the space landscape in the country. TBI in partnership with Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy (DARA) continues to be dedicated to championing science education and awareness in Kenya, with inclusive and holistic approaches that are community oriented and sustainable.

3 likes. "From Ancient Star Wisdom to Modern Space Science"

25/03/2026

A few more hours to go! ⏰
We have just a few hours left in Giving Day 2026. You still have time to make a gift that will directly support Kenyan scholars at the Turkana Basin Institute and many other projects. These are the researchers who will shape the future of paleoscience. They're making new discoveries, and building a legacy of local leadership in one of the most important landscapes on Earth.
Your gift will help fund their work.
Click to donate: https://shorturl.at/YAdbK

25/03/2026

Have you donated yet? Head over to Stony Brook University TBI Giving Day page and help bring dreams of young scientists to life! You’re gift will go a long way in supporting research at TBI
Click to support our work: https://shorturl.at/A1sf6

25/03/2026

This Giving Day, your support for TBI strengthens operations in Turkana while empowering young Kenyan scholars conducting interdisciplinary research. Together, we ensure that discovery lasts.
Click here to support our work: https://shorturl.at/dRhzI

25/03/2026

Today is Giving Day! Be part of the impact.
For 24 hours, the Stony Brook University community comes together to support what matters most. Join us in supporting the Turkana Basin Project. Your contribution directly supports research led by Kenyan scholars at the Turkana Basin Institute.
🤝Donate Here! https://bit.ly/4cROiUm