Stony Brook University recently hosted a conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI), an organization established in partnership with the late paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey. The event, held on October 22 at the Charles B. Wang Center, brought together faculty, staff, students, and researchers to reflect on two decades of scientific research and community involvement in northern Kenya.
Founded in 2005 by Leakey and Stony Brook University, TBI has developed into a prominent site for year-round fieldwork and training focused on human evolution, archaeology, geology, human adaptation, and climate change. Stony Brook President Andrea Goldsmith opened the conference by highlighting Leakey’s influence as both a scholar and mentor. “Richard Leakey was not only a transformational scholar, he was also an inspiring mentor,” said Goldsmith. “He mentored so many future paleontologists and anthropologists, including students from Stony Brook who had never seen a fossil before and left forever changed. If we looked at the impact of Richard Leakey in terms of his mentorship, it would be just as profound as his founding of the Turkana Basin Institute.”
Goldsmith described TBI as “a model of interdisciplinary collaboration and a global example of how research, education, and community can come together to advance science and opportunity.” She announced plans to visit Turkana Basin in January alongside Simons STEM Scholars participating in their field school at TBI. “Many of these students have never left the country,” she said. “To take them to TBI to experience the magic of this place — to see discovery come alive — is something I want to witness firsthand.” Goldsmith emphasized that TBI’s legacy extends beyond research through its commitment to supporting local communities: “Our service to the community in Kenya helps support the Turkana Basin,” she said. “That connection — between education, research, and humanity — makes TBI a very special part of our university.”
During her remarks, Goldsmith introduced Gabrielle A. Russo as interim director of TBI and Gregory Henkes as associate director. Russo commented on her new role: “I’ve been part of the TBI research community for nearly a decade, and have previously served as the institute’s Associate Director and then Deputy Director,” she said. “Now, it is an honor to serve both the TBI and SBU community as TBI’s interim director.”
The program included short presentations from students involved with various field schools at TBI—including members of the 2025 Simons STEM Scholars cohort—who shared their experiences from recent programs in Kenya. Faculty associated with TBI presented ongoing projects related to human origins studies, earth sciences research, and ecology.
Provost Carl Lejuez addressed attendees about how TBI fits into Stony Brook’s international mission: “TBI represents what’s best about Stony Brook — discovery with purpose,” he said. “It brings together faculty, students, and international partners to tackle the biggest questions about who we are and where we come from. And it does so with a deep respect for the communities that make that work possible.”
Kevin Gardner, vice president for research and innovation at Stony Brook University Research & Innovation , spoke about collaborative efforts within scientific exploration: “TBI represents the best of what collaborative science can be,” he said. “It brings together people from different disciplines, cultures, and countries all focused on advancing knowledge that connects us as human beings. It’s a perfect example of how research can both honor the past and drive the future.”
Lawrence Martin—Distinguished Service Professor emeritus—shared insights into how Richard Leakey came to join Stony Brook after receiving an honorary degree offer despite not having completed high school himself; this eventually led him toward establishing permanent facilities for fieldwork in Kenya by 2005 through joint fundraising efforts totaling nearly $40 million.
Martin noted that over time scientists from almost 100 countries representing 30 academic institutions have worked at or visited TBI: "Every Stony Brook president since has recognized its importance," he said.
Former director Dino Martins discussed expansion into new areas such as genomics through initiatives like The Turkana Human Genome Project—a study conducted collaboratively with local communities: "We designed this research hand-in-hand with the community," Martins explained."They co-created the questions.Their insight deepened our science." He added,"Science is better when it’s shared.When communities are partners—not subjects—our discoveries are richer,m ore ethical,and more human."
Louise Leakey closed out proceedings reflecting on family history linked back generations:"If only my grandparents,Louis & Mary Leakey,could see what has grown from that first fossil discovery in Olduvai Gorge,"she remarked."They put Africa on map as cradle humankind,and today,T BI continues story."
She highlighted growth from modest beginnings—"a few shipping containers & tents"—to current well-equipped hubs hosting hundreds annually.She acknowledged broad contributions made by supporters locally & abroad:"T BI was built by teamwork.From those who carried fossils...to those who drew blueprints...every contribution mattered."
Looking ahead,she expressed hope next generation Kenyan scientists will lead future endeavors:"The people northern Kenya will be experts leaders these fields.T BI continue provide opportunities students scientists across Africa beyond—exploring our shared story humanity very place began."