Dino Martins, a Kenyan entomologist and evolutionary biologist, took over as the director of Stony Brook University's Turkana Basin Institute in September. He succeeded Lawrence Martin, who had been in the role since 2007. Martins has been associated with the institute since 2011 and has served as CEO of TBI (Kenya) Ltd. since 2022.
Martins' leadership aims to advance research on human civilization's origins and contemporary challenges related to climate change. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical climate changes recorded in the Turkana Basin sediments to learn how humans have adapted over time.
"The Turkana Basin holds over a hundred million years worth of evidence," said Martins, highlighting its significance for studying both ancient human lineages and more recent developments like pastoralism. The region offers valuable insights into past climates due to extensive geological studies conducted there.
Martins discussed how historical climate changes are embedded in human evolution, explaining that "humans are one of the most versatile species on the planet." He stressed that adaptation involves social cooperation, noting that "our care and compassion for each other is important."
Addressing modern climate challenges, Martins remarked on extreme weather events becoming more frequent and unpredictable due to rising ocean temperatures. He pointed out that successful adaptation requires community efforts rather than individual actions.
The collaboration between Turkana Basin Institute and Stony Brook University fosters interdisciplinary research. "One of the exciting things about the conversations taking place here at Stony Brook...is seeing scientists from very different parts of the university coming together," he said.
Founded by Dr. Richard Leakey, the institute brings together approximately 200 scientists worldwide to study paleo sciences alongside climate and biodiversity conservation efforts.
To learn more about current research projects in the Turkana Basin, visit turkanabasin.org