“To increase scientific knowledge, education, and public understanding of human origins, evolution, behavior, and survival.” This is the mission of the Leakey Foundation, founded as a result of the research and teachings of Dr. Louis S. B. Leakey. In a nation where human evolution is constantly facing rejection and dismissal by a large group of creationist opposition, the goals of the Leakey Foundation grow increasingly important. In order to maintain the integrity of science education, particularly on the higher education level, and to continue the revolutionary findings and research that young scientists have to offer, our foundation is dedicated to providing the means for scientists in need of financial assistance. We believe that a student and scientist of human origins and evolution that has few finances, has just as much to offer the science community as someone with plenty of finances. We would like to promote the careers of young scientists, as this is the only way to continue discovery as the study of human evolution itself evolves. For these reasons we have granted over $600,000 annually towards the continued research of human origins, spanning many disciplines including paleoanthropology, primatology, geology, genetics, and morphology.
It is because of the insistence of Louis Leakey himself that such researchers as Jane Goodall attained doctorate degrees. In 1962, the Leakey Foundation sent Goodall to Cambridge University to receive her Ph.D. in Ethology. Without these means given to her for her education and the extensive support of Louis Leakey, Jane may not have been able to adequately contribute some of her amazing research and findings on chimpanzees to the general public. These kinds of grants are given frequently, many to underprivileged young students in developing countries. To date, over 150 Africans have completed their graduate research in human ancestry as a result of the Leakey Foundation grants and scholarships.
In addition to providing grants and scholarships, the Leakey Foundation is also dedicated to bringing the promotion of human evolution and discussion of science careers into local schools. Through the Leakey Learning Expeditions, nearly a thousand students across the country each year get to visit with scientists under the umbrella of evolutionary research, and are hopefully inspired to pursue scientific careers and interests. Most importantly, these “expeditions” occur at no cost to the school. The Leakey Foundation believes that it is extremely important to reach out to young people who may not be given the resources or support of their schools and communities to be interested in science careers. Especially since human evolution is such a touchy subject in high schools and just in educational settings in general, the Leakey Foundation is willing to be a third party resource for kids curious about careers in scientific disciplines.
Another important cause that the Leakey Foundation strives to support is the bringing of scientific research and discussion into the general public. In order to do this the foundation hosts the Annual Speakers Series on Human Origins in major cities around the country. This year, six lectures and symposiums were given by very reputable scientists in order to enhance the interest of the general population, to demonstrate the value of current research, and to show that the discoveries made are not exclusive, and that we want people to know what our scientists discover. These lectures, generally held at various museums, are very accessible, costing either under $20 or free with museum admission. In addition, the Leakey Foundation publishes the periodical AnthroQuest, which features foundation research and news, and is available to whomever desires it.
All of these admirable efforts of the Leakey Foundation; the providing of grants and scholarships to underprivileged or aspiring researchers, the bringing of scholarly science and evolution into schools, and the availability of research for the general public, are what make the Leakey Foundation an extremely valuable and important institution. Without our foundation, many students and researchers might lose hope, feeling that they just don’t have the means to pursue their passions and contribute valuable research. Without our foundation, many students may only be presented with one side of the story, with creationist viewpoints creeping into their curriculum and with science careers presented as being not as valuable as other pursuits. Without our foundation, interested people of all ages may not have the opportunity to hear from current scientists from the field, who otherwise may have sparked their interest and even inspired them to participate in research of their own. All of these activities and unique pursuits of the Leakey Foundation foster the increase of scientific knowledge, education, and public understanding of human origins, evolution, behavior, and survival, which is one of the most important causes that the scientific community and supporters of science education and literacy must concern themselves with in the current and future world.
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